This project at Fiddlers Hill meadow, on the Fordham Hall Estate in Fordham nr Colchester, has successfully created a new wetland environment within the floodplain of the River Colne that spans over five hectares and doubles the size of the existing fen.

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By using nature-based solutions, like flood water scrapes, unwanted flooding was reduced new habitats were created where wildlife and wetland species can now thrive.

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The completed scrapes will now retain floodwater for longer and allow water to enter the meadow sooner which has eased downstream flooding and reduced pressure on the section of the river at Mill Road.

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Alongside the creation of the wetland habitats which are already seeing use from several bird species, this project also successfully installed 12 bird boxes and hibernacula habitat, and multiple informational signs to highlight the new features of the site, encouraging users to discover more about natural flood management, and the new habitat and species that are already calling this new wetland habitat home. It is now an​ an ideal rest area for users of the Essex Way, with a permissive path guiding them into the meadow to discover the wildlife, and delve into the history.

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This was a collaborative project involving the Woodland Trust, Essex and Suffolk Rivers Trust, Environment Agency, Essex Wildlife Trust, and Essex County Council. With completion, the Woodland Trust will oversee the site’s daily management and create a comprehensive long-term management strategy for Fiddler's Hill Meadow.

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Visit the Woodland Trust’s website for more infromation about the Fordham Hall Estate.

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