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Appendix I

PROJECT PORTFOLIO

Sub-Project Number 1Sub- Project Name Wildlife-Friendly Land & WaterLead Partner Cambridgeshire ACRE, with Ely Group of IDBs [as lead delivery partner]Other partners involved(and their key roles)

Middle Level Commissioners Advice on berms and pond developments in ditches; trainingRSPB Delivery of: Turtle Dove/ Farmland Arable bird seed mixes on buffers

near ditches; farmland pond enhancements; wildlife-friendly farming interpretation alongside rights of way; training

ADA (Association of Drainage Authorities); Natural England; NFU Specialist input; trainingVarious biodiversity specialists (aquatic plants; aquatic invertebrates; terrestrial invertebrates; pollinators; mammals; amphibians & reptiles - including e.g. Fenland Flora Project, and many others)

Expert advice; training

Freshwater Habitats Trust Co-ordination of biodiversity monitoringLandowners, Farmers, IDBs Key owners and managers of the ditches and arable land in the area,

recipients of some of the capital work carried out as part of project delivery

Summary This project will be key to strengthening Fenland priority species’ resilience on the ditch network and surrounding arable landscape on and on either side of the Old West River, creating a key wetland corridor between existing core conservation sites.

This will be done through visible enhancement of selected habitats, creating a new network of stepping stones, consisting of a diverse range of wetland habitat-focused small-scale habitat improvements, together creating an important landscape corridor linking up the key fen wetland areas of the National Trust’s Wicken Fen to the east and the RSPB’s Ouse Fen to the west.

These sites will be important demonstration sites in their own right, to be used to encourage and influence other IDBs, landowners, local communities and others in the Fens and elsewhere, showcasing what can be achieved for wildlife alongside profitable arable farm business.

Aims Improving landscape by creating new habitats for wildlife on and near the ditches and waterways and surrounding farmland, working closely with landowners, farmers and Internal Drainage Boards, thereby increasing the resilience of priority wildlife species, with a particular focus on aquatic plant and animal species and arable farmland birds.

Creating demonstration sites to trial and showcase new and best practise management techniques and ecosystem benefits, on the ditch network and arable land, and spreading the learning results to influence change management with others involved in land and water management.

Working with local farming communities to further develop their understanding of the value and importance of care and management of the fenland habitats and how the biodiversity value on their lands is intrinsically linked to maintenance practices, past and present.

Improving understanding of the way the land and waterways in the area can be managed to benefit wildlife and people, through a targeted

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training and learning programme. Raising public understanding and appreciation of the management practices done as part of the work of the Internal Drainage Boards and

individual landowners, essential for safeguarding the area’s biodiversity value. Sharing management practices and providing advice to improve habitat and species resilience; sharing knowledge of related management issues

like flooding; drought; water quality; soil erosion and non-native species amongst IDBs, landowners and community land management groups.Outputs (& Targets) – Capital Work

Creation of berms (also known as ‘marginal shelves’ or ‘stepped drains’) on the ditch network: 6 km in total on IDB-managed drains and other drains, spread across the area.

Creation of a diverse range of small habitat interventions on landholdings in the area either side of the Old West River – at least 7 farms involved. Habitat creation on field adjacent to Upware pumping station (owned and managed by Ely Group of IDBs). Introduce areas with white clover and creeping cinquefoil plug plants on a range of margins alongside ditches, and on farmland such as around

reservoirs and in between solar panels, to provide nectar and pollen for pollinators in grass areas – 20 areas covered. Introduce areas with white clover and creeping cinquefoil plug plants on a range of margins on the Environment Agency-managed sections of the

banks alongside the Old West River (or extending areas where these are already established), providing for nectar and pollen for pollinators in grass areas and creating a central, linear ‘pollination highway’ corridor in the landscape – 50 metre stretches planted, one every mile – 15 areas covered.

Creation of x2 small reedbed areas (one doubling up with artificial cliff for sand martins and kingfishers), to showcase possibilities in area. In close cooperation with RSPB, delivery of bespoke Turtle Dove seed mixes in margins alongside or near to ditches – to benefit threatened Turtle

Doves and other priority Arable Farmland birds – 15 hectares in total to be covered (as 6 m margins this would work out as 25,000 m). In close cooperation with RSPB, create small-scale enhancements on existing farm ponds and ditches, to improve water quality and accessibility

for Turtle Doves and other arable farmland bird species – 15 ponds or ditch locations. Creation of interpretation boards – to be placed alongside on public rights of way alongside habitat improvements, explaining habitat

improvements made and wildlife-friendly farming practices – 20 interpretation boards. Creation of digital resources and leaflets to raise public understanding of the work of Internal Drainage Boards (IDBs) and how land and water has

been and is managed to benefit wildlife by multiple parties in the area - 5 outputs generated. Creation of digital resources and leaflets which explain the distinctiveness, significance and vulnerability of Fenland priority species, and what

small changes in habitat provision could be done which can help to protect and reintroduce species – 5 outputs generated. Various other digital outputs including photography and film to be used for website and social media and community engagement activities, to be

captured through the ongoing monitoring programme with the aid of e.g. drone and Kite Aerial Photography technologies – 10 locations intensely monitored and showcased through digital visual outputs.

Outputs (& Targets) – Activities

Delivering training on: Good Ecological Potential linked to water and ditch management, by range of partners and biodiversity specialists involved – 4 training sessions.

Delivering training on: nature-friendly farming techniques, by range of partners and biodiversity specialists involved – 4 training sessions. Delivering training on: practicalities of ongoing maintenance and management of ditch and land following habitat improvements implemented –

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knowledge transfer from e.g. Middle Level Commissioners and other parties to land managers and landowners – 4 training sessions. Promotion of demonstration sites created through project, to trial and showcase new and best practise management techniques and ecosystem

benefits. Demonstrate that managing and recreating wetland habitats is a cost-effective tool that will not only have tremendous benefits to the local priority Fenland species, it can also be used to provide society with a range of benefits such as cleaner water, better protection against the effects of drought and floods, carbon storage and food supply.

Assist in the creation of a new Turtle Dove Friendly Zone in the area (lead: RSPB), done as a direct result of the success of the RSPB-led project within the Ouse Washes Landscape Partnership scheme which has led to the formation and continuation of a Nature Friendly Zone nearby.

Promotion of wildlife-friendly farming practices through RSPB’s Farmland Conservation Advisory Services and by other partners involved – 40 in-depth meetings held with land owners and managers

A range of guided site visits to demonstration sites, for conservation academics in Cambridge area, conservation organisations, IDBs and landowners, local conservation societies and other interested parties.

Active input into Farm Open Sundays and similar events by participating organisations and farmers and landowners, showcasing land and water changes made – active involvement in 5 events.

Specialist advice from IDBs and conservation organisations at different stages of delivery of habitat interventions and related monitoring programme – 25 advice sessions delivered.

Creation of a forum for knowledge transfer between organisations and individuals involved and to share knowledge of some of the key related issues in the fens - flooding, drought, INNS, erosion, water quality, conservation, climate change.

Creation of management plans for each of the sites where habitat improvements are taking place, to ensure clear legacy in terms of ongoing management and maintenance and for public access and promotion.

Costs HLF grant element Capital work £80,000 – mainly: Habitat improvements; interpretation; digital outputsActivities £17,000 – mainly: Training

Match funding (cash match, in-kind and volunteer in-kind)

£20,000 Ely Group of IDB – mainly staff input, machinery use and creation of e.g. berms£23,000 RSPB – mainly Farmland Conservation Advice staff (£19,000) and volunteer

input (£4,000)£10,000 Mainly: specialist advice and training (several partners)

TOTAL £97,000 HLF grant + £53,000 match funding / Total project cost: £150,000Audience Groups targeted

Managers of Land and Water - especially IDBs; farmers; landowners Local People - especially Parish Councils and Green Space community Management Groups; residents

No. of people trained 150No. of volunteers involved

20

No. of participants / beneficiaries

300

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HLF Outcomes (W = Weighted Outcome) = KEY FOCUS OF PROJECT = ADDITIONAL FOCUS OF PROJECT

Outcomes for Heritage – Heritage will be:

Better managed (W)

In better condition (W)

Better interpreted and explained

Identified/recorded

Outcomes for People – People will have:

Developed skills (W)

Learnt about heritage (W)

Changed their attitudes and/or behaviour

Had an enjoyable experience

Volunteered time

Outcomes for Communities

Negative environmental impacts will be reduced (W)

More people and a wider range of people will have engaged with heritage (W)

Your local area/community will be a better place to live, work or visit

Your local economy will be boosted

Your organisation will be more resilient

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Sub-Project Number 2Sub- Project Name Community Green SpacesLead Partner Cambridgeshire ACREOther partners involved(and their key roles)

Several specialist consultants Various biodiversity specialists (aquatic plants; aquatic invertebrates; terrestrial invertebrates; pollinators; mammals; amphibians & reptiles; and others)

Others including RSPB; Wildlife Trust BCN; Buglife; Amphibian & Reptilian Conservation Trust; Natural England

Information provision, learning engagement, practical advice and delivering training to groups managing community green spaces.

Freshwater Habitats Trust; CPERC Co-ordination of biodiversity monitoring

Parish Councils (9 in area, covering 11 settlements) Owners of many of the community green spaces being targeted through this project. Key to community engagement.

Various community groups (e.g. those managing community green spaces); local primary schools; churches; community conservation groups; Youth Groups

Groups managing community green spaces – key to communication and getting local volunteers mobilised.

Summary This project will be essential for the creation of a series of wildlife-friendly habitat improvements on community-owned and managed green spaces working closely with a range of Parish Councils, schools, community and user groups, together adding significant value to the series of stepping stones provided in the wider landscape surrounding the settlements.

Through this process, the project will empower local community groups with knowledge, access to specialists and understanding of improved maintenance and management regimes.

Aims Designing and implementing a series of small-scale habitat improvements on school grounds, village greens, churchyards, community orchards and similar community green spaces, enhancing and extending what’s there, together making local villages more wildlife-friendly and attractive, providing essential stepping stones within the landscape for species’ resilience.

Creating demonstration sites on a diversity of community green spaces, helping people to learn about and connect with their green spaces and natural heritage, whilst raising awareness of the significance and distinctiveness of the local Fenland wildlife.

Supporting local community groups and schools to make the most of their outdoor spaces for wildlife and people, with targeted advisory and training service delivered through a network of conservation specialists within the partnership.

Finding new volunteers, and help with recruitment and retaining new volunteers, thereby ensuring resilient local volunteer-based green space management organisations.

Training up of local volunteering organisations, community and user groups, in nature-friendly maintenance practices & techniques, transferring specialist skills to a local level and securing appropriate ongoing management and maintenance.

Working with local communities to further develop their understanding of the value and importance of care and management of the fenland

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habitats. Encouraging schools to make stronger connections to the local area in their curriculum and embed the natural heritage of the Fenland area

within their offer to pupils so that they can learn about their local natural environment, whilst also improving the understanding of opportunities for learning outside the classroom.

Empowering community groups and schools and their pupils, through encouragement of uptake of an awards programme linked to the training programme (John Muir Award), enabling them to pass on the knowledge gained to fellow community members, in the process getting more and a more diverse audience to be exposed to, understand and value the significant local Fenland natural heritage.

Outputs (& Targets) – Capital Work

Creation of a diverse range of bespoke habitat improvements on community green spaces (enhancements of e.g. village ponds; church yards; community orchards; village greens) in close cooperation with a range of relevant specialists – at least 15 locations across the area – to include at least 4 village ponds to be enhanced.

Introduce areas with white clover and creeping cinquefoil plug plants on a variety of community green spaces including village greens, on edges of sports fields, at school grounds and their playing fields, Scouts groups’ grounds, churchyards and other community green spaces, to provide nectar and pollen for pollinators in grass areas – 20 areas minimum.

Creation of areas with autumn to spring flowering perennial plants for pollinators, to create flower food for the hungry months. Creation of interpretation at community green spaces, created with and for communities, showcasing their improved green spaces and spreading

awareness of fenland biodiversity with others – 20 interpretation boards. Resources and outputs, including photographs and films made available through website and social media, as well as making use of the extensive

parish news and local reporter network. Materials, mainly shrubs, plants, plugs and seeds for delivery of habitat improvements on range of community green spaces.


A diverse training programme, in close cooperation with all conservation organisations and biodiversity specialists involved, for community and user groups to ensure knowledge transfer and secure ongoing maintenance: 10 key training days, plus 30 project-focused training events.

Specialist advice from conservation specialists at different stages of development, delivery and maintenance of interventions and its related monitoring programme – 40 specialist sessions.

Specialists working directly with school classes, scout groups, community green space management committees and other community groups, to instigate sowing and plug-growing at home and in groups (including necessary training), directly feeding into the creation of white clover patches and flowerbeds.

Working with local communities to further develop their understanding of the value and importance of care and management of the fenland habitats – new leaflets and similar outputs to be generated: x5 different outputs.

Providing opportunities for volunteering through an organised volunteering programme across the area building a community of people that can support events, school trips and events.

Providing opportunities for volunteering and Citizen Science training (linking to project 3), to build a community of field surveyors which have specialist knowledge of fenland habitats and strengthen the membership and volunteer-base of local green space management groups in the process, as well as building a community of people that can support events, school trips and events.

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Creating and promoting demonstration sites to trial and showcase new and best practise wildlife management techniques to the wider community.

Facilitate a programme of learning exchange between the communities involved in the project; there are many active green space management committees, for instance, who are keen to help others nearby develop similar spaces for biodiversity and the community.

Developing a programme for schools including events - creating and producing activity packs as teaching aids suitable to use across the Fens for all key stages – x 2 different types of activity packs.

Provide opportunities for school pupils and community group members to obtain John Muir Awards. Promoting physical access to the landscape through promotion of existing trails on website and as part of organised events. Help with creation of management plans for each of the sites where habitat improvements are taking place, to ensure clear legacy in terms of

ongoing management and maintenance and for public access and promotion.Costs HLF grant element Capital work £65,000 – mainly: Habitat improvements; interpretation; digital outputs

Activities £25,000 – mainly: Training; outreach; engagement activitiesMatch funding (cash match, in-kind and

volunteer in-kind)£5,000 Mainly: Specialist input: advice and training (several partners)£20,000 Mainly: Local volunteers’ time (£15,000); schools, community groups and PCs’

staffing time; also in-kind venues (total £5,000).TOTAL £90,000 HLF grant + £25,000 match funding/ Total project cost: £115,000

Audience Groups targeted

Community and User Groups Educational providers (& their pupils) – especially local primary schools Local people


300


2,000



Better managed (W)



Identified/recorded


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Volunteered time







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Sub-Project Number 3Sub- Project Name Nature Detectives (‘Citizen Science’)Lead Partner Cambridgeshire ACRE, with Freshwater Habitats Trust [as lead delivery partner]Other partners involved(and their key roles)

CPERC (Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Environmental Records Centre); BRC (Biological Records Centre)

Essential for the coordination of the centralised conservation monitoring programme; data information provision; data collation and interpretation. Linking to research agendas.

Other conservation organisations, including RSPB; Wildlife Trust BCN; National Trust; Amphibian & Reptile Conservation Trust; British Dragonfly Society; Cambridgeshire Mammal Group; Buglife; Fenland Flora project; and various biodiversity specialists; as well as ADA, IDBs; Anglian Water; Environment Agency; Natural England.

Specialist input; information provision; training; input into monitoring programme

Parish Councils; a range of community groups; Scout association; etc. To mobilise, and train up locally interested peopleSummary This project will, through a wide-ranging volunteering and cutting-edge citizen science programme, create multiple engaging experience

opportunities for local people to get involved with their fenland natural heritage.

It is now increasingly recognised that man-made freshwater habitats are as important for freshwater biodiversity as those originally created by natural processes. A growing body of detailed biological surveys shows that, even in intensively farmed landscapes, the ditch network is a reservoir for priority, at risk and endangered species. This project will make existing sources of information on the area’s freshwater wildlife more available and accessible, and provide the basis for developing the source of information in the future.

The technology available for species recording and water quality recording is changing and makes it possible to gain a much more accurate picture of what we have, and what is at risk (for example, environmental DNA through water sampling, GPS mapping and accurate recording of site positions through tablets and smart phones). This project will make use of the latest technology to offer wide-ranging and exciting citizen science opportunities for local people to get involved.

The combined range of citizen science work carried out to drive forward this body of evidence and engage local people in the process, will also be closely linked to a project-wide monitoring programme, ensuring that joint working between conservation organisations and between conservation organisations and local communities will provide significant improvements in data gathering on habitats and species in the area.

Aims Attracting volunteers to build a picture of Fenland wildlife through public ‘citizen science’ surveys and training. Developing skills in wildlife identification and provide training in species surveys and water quality testing, to boost skills and confidence, and

feed into research agendas. Developing a technically credible citizen science monitoring network. Utilising a range of cutting-edge technologies, also introducing new mobile technologies to allow for improved data collection, easier reporting

and making the citizen science project more attractive to a wider and younger audience.

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Collating information on sightings of species across the area, thereby informing research agendas and covering known gaps in knowledge of Fenland priority species and habitats whilst feeding new data into the Biodiversity Record Centre’s databases.

Ensuring that data on species and habitats feeds back to local communities and land owners, making this more accessible in different formats to help them with ongoing management and maintenance of wildlife-friendly land and water enhancements made.

Providing a range of engaging events, such as open days held at local sites, to encourage more local people to become interested and to volunteer, to help spread knowledge about the natural heritage in the area, and to secure a clear legacy at a local level in the project area.

Encouraging a wide range of people to engage, from those with no previous involvement in nature to those with advanced skills, in the process forming a network to support others to learn.

Directly contribute to Big Wins – Action for priority species in England, and contribute to Outcome 3 or Biodiversity 2020, the Government’s wildlife conservation strategy for England.


Digital outputs - range of outputs created, promoting innovative citizen science project work (and their results) through multiple media. Development of website information, processing and dissemination engagement opportunities, citizen science results and case studies through

multiple media. All information recorded will be in the public domain. Develop short guide / video to the Fens’ wildlife, made available to media and local people.


Bring together existing survey data to identify biological hotspots in the area; these will form basis for local FLAGSHIP sites – the ‘best of the best’ locations to build out from working from information based on e.g., Internal Drainage Boards Biodiversity Action Plans and links to the Big Wins for S41 species report and spreadsheet.

Introduce new monitoring methods and approaches which empower citizen groups: including new rapid water quality test kits, environmental DNA recording and skill-level appropriate traditional biological monitoring (e.g. common frog, common toad) for all levels, from beginners to experienced naturalists. The HLF funded ‘People, Ponds and Water’ project is providing a range of tools, learning and engagement experiences that will be built on in the present project and adapted to suit the different target habitats in the Cambridgeshire Fens; for instance, this project has developed the world’s first national environmental DNA survey using volunteers.

Purchase of Citizen Science project materials - including e.g. test kits for water quality; eDNA sampling and other survey equipment materials. Additional professional biological surveys of plants and invertebrates to be carried out and for testing and further developing eDNA methods in

this area. Establish a public citizen-friendly database for ditch monitoring data, building on a major national investment by HLF, linked directly to national

and regional recording systems by extending existing WaterNet database to accept ditch data; create necessary links with CPERC and National Biodiversity Network (NBN) (WaterNet database already exchanges data with NBN).

Coordination of citizen science activities through project officer involvement and working closely with all relevant specialists and organisations involved.

Training in citizen science by Freshwater Habitats Trust and range of local and regional biodiversity specialists and conservation organisations involved: provide training and encouragement to those new to recording wildlife, whilst also helping people take the next step into more serious recording of sites and data, thereby ensuring sustainable long-term monitoring of sites.

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Providing opportunities for volunteering and Citizen Science training to build a community of field surveyors which have specialist knowledge of fenland habitats.

Run citizen surveys of ditches and, where possible, ponds in selected 1 km squares:- Year 1: run small-scale in 10-20 x 1 km squares to pilot all methods and iron out practical problems- Year 2: Amphibians; Ditch eDNA survey; Endangered Plants- Year 3: Water vole; Amphibians; Ditch eDNA survey; Endangered Plants

Run citizen surveys for community green spaces and arable farmland, in close cooperation with community groups, biodiversity specialist and the RSPB’s farmland bird advisors.

Clean Water for Wildlife Survey. This is the most accessible part of the survey. It can be done by pretty much anyone, in all age groups. This includes: Clean Water for Wildlife survey training – mainly for those involved in water blitzes to teach people about how to collect samples. Water quality blitz survey across 1/3rd of the area each year; targeted water quality blitzes in Flagship locations: at some locations of special interest to people – for example, a landowner with important water plant assemblages; or even in some of the ‘famous’ fen locations – it will be of interest to the audience and land managers to get specific management focused water quality data.

Developing a local freshwater and green spaces monitoring network which is citizen-based. Linking citizen science work for volunteers with John Muir Award scheme across project as a whole. Locally relevant feedback: 5 Talks to groups about the unexpected importance of the Fenland ditches and drains, the ‘hedgerows of the Fens’,

and on the importance of landscape-scale connectivity. Updating materials: newsletter, social media and other communications, including press releases for media and articles for newspapers, local

magazines and other relevant media. Working with local communities to further develop their understanding of the value and importance of care and management of their fenland

habitats. Run wildlife taster days (design to have different engagement and experience levels): viewing and experiencing surveying wildlife, experiencing

water quality testing, Fenland walks to explore the landscape – x5, including x2 catered for specific hard-to-reach audiences. Producing new and additional mammal, invertebrate and plant species records from newly surveyed wetland and water habitats with all records

incorporated into local Records centre/NBN and shared with specialist groups and land owners; and working with CPERC regarding future data management and promotion.

Start-up conference, open to all, with landowners, organisations, community representatives. Half-way and Wrap-up Conferences. Linking in with established organisations, such as the CCF’s Management Restoration Group, to use their events and talks calendars as a vehicle

to get specialist data and citizen science research results out into a specialist and wider audience. Following from the biodiversity monitoring model developed during the project’s development phase, closely coordinate monitoring programme

across all project activities within the ‘New Life on the Old West’ project, especially the sites enhanced through projects 1 and 2. This is likely to include, amongst others, fixed point photography; video & drone aerial photography and filming monitoring programme; kite aerial photography conservation monitoring programme; water quality monitoring programme; and a variety of tested and more recent biodiversity (for species and

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habitats condition) monitoring tools. Create report with clear recommendations for work to be taken forward post-project, directly feeding into the partnership’s ongoing

maintenance and management programme. Support practical conservation programme: a key part of the programme is ensuring that there is close link between citizen science and practical

outcomes. To do this knowledge and findings from the survey work will be integrated into practical conservation actions; most specifically:- Identify Flagship ditch sites – which we know in advance to be important where individuals or local parish and conservation groups

/organisations can adopt and help to protect sites and visit throughout the year (see recording wildlife in a year – CPERC, which identified some 400 species) to record species groups that are typical under recorded.

- Prepare template for simple farm ditch, pond and other wetland plans with landowners/managers.- Identify locations where new clean water habitats could be created (work with e.g., IDBs and Natural England).- Work with IDBs and partners to help local groups, organisations and landowners to make a practical difference to Flagship sites (the

recognised biodiversity hotspots), protected species and other parts of landscape.- Feed into an update of the ADA/NE Manual of ditch management (e.g. to include information about water quality which is not mentioned by

current manual), as well as the local IDBs’ maintenance manuals.Costs HLF grant element Capital work £10,000 – mainly: Digital outputs

Activities £75,000 – Citizen science programme delivery; engagement activities; training; coordination of project-wide monitoring programme


£5,000 Mainly: Specialist input - advice and input into project-wide monitoring programme; also potential for PhD work, or internships from universities and colleges

£20,000 Mainly: Volunteers’ time involved in various citizen science project workTOTAL £85,000 HLF grant + £25,000 match funding/ Total project cost: £110,000

Audience Groups targeted

Community and User Groups Educational providers (& their pupils) Newcomers Local People Managers of Land and Water


350


600


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Better managed (W)



Identified/recorded






Volunteered time







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Sub-Project Number 4Sub- Project Name Fenland Natural HeroesLead Partner Cambridgeshire ACRE, with History Needs You [as lead delivery partner]Other partners involved(and their key roles)

Prickwillow Museum; Stretham Old Engine Museum; Cambridge Museums and Botanical Gardens; ADEC; Field Theatre Group; Mike Petty; and other museum, history, heritage, archives and arts-focused organisations and individuals

Key venues and organisations providing necessary input into events to be delivered through this project

Primary and secondary schools; other educational providers (e.g. U3A) Input into curriculum-focused outputs; dissemination of information

NT’s Wicken Fen; Parish Councils; village halls (many community green spaces are next to these); local conservation societies and other community groups

Venues and knowledgeable staff & volunteers, for natural heritage-focused events

Summary This project will get important messages out about the complex interaction and links between the man-made and man-managed Cambridgeshire Fens landscape and the area’s significant natural history.

Through focusing on several individuals, past and present, well-known and not-so-well known, this project will help local people increase their understanding of the importance of their natural heritage, understand why people such as Charles Darwin and Charles Rothschild were so interested and inspired by this area’s biodiversity and natural history.

With new interpretation and inspiring events this project will, in addition, help bridge the perceived gaps between past land changes, modern environment and future challenges to the area’s natural heritage.

Through re-enactment, school engagement and other activities and outputs, the complexities of recent and modern-day management of water and land in the area will be better explained – also using examples from modern day ‘heroes’ -, made more accessible, and inspiring new naturalist and the next generation of Fenland heroes in the process.

Aims Educating people about the significant number of well-known and lesser-known people, past and present, who have been inspired by the uniqueness of the local natural environment and who have shaped the natural history of the area.

Explaining the complexities of modern-day management of the land and water in the area by showcasing the work of current heroes managing the land, water and nature of the area.

Explaining the story of fen drainage and its strong links to the area’s important natural heritage and its changing communities over time, bringing this to life through heritage, arts, archival materials, engaging re-enactment and story telling.

Engaging schools and their pupils by providing curriculum-linked educational packages, in the process inspiring young people to consider science, engineering or conservation related careers.

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Engaging local communities by using archive materials to provide an understanding of Fenland history and providing better access to archives through modern technology and audience engagement.

Working with local communities to further develop their understanding of the value and importance of care and management of the fenland habitats.


Creation of new interpretation, as interpretation panels or other forms of interpretation – x 3 Digital outputs created and promoted through multiple media – x 7 different outputs created. Creation of short film about the interconnectedness of the natural environment, natural history, drainages story, people’s livelihoods and

modern-day land and water management in the area.Outputs (& Targets) – Activities

Project coordination by heritage organisation with thorough understanding of educational needs, and strong links with relevant organisations and specialists in education, engagement, heritage, history, archives, arts and museums.

Developing a programme for schools including events, in cooperation with Environmental Learning Experts and drawing upon the collections and resources at local museums, conservation organisations and other partners involved: provision of a programme of outreach and outdoor classroom learning experiences for schools to create a greater appreciation, awareness of local history, culture, arts, science, environment, landscape, geography and biology.

Creation of leaflets and brochures for schools, closely linked to the curriculum, and for community groups – x4 new outputs created. Production of activity pack and other materials as teaching aids suitable to use across the Fens for all key stages; the materials are to be linked to

the National Curriculum - Early Years Foundation Stage framework, National Curriculum, World Wide curriculum and the Every Child Matters agenda.

Promote the John Muir Award scheme and provide opportunities for school pupils and community group members to obtain John Muir Awards. Creation of booklet in cooperation with relevant historians and museums, to explain how the natural history in the area has affected local

people’s lives. A range of engagement activities for schools, community groups and others, including re-enactment and story telling as means to engaging

audiences. Promotion of Wind-Steam-Diesel trail for school classes, linking up Wicken Fen’s wind pump, Stretham Old Engine Museum and Prickwillow

Museum, also joining with farmers involved in the project – e.g. those next to the museums in Prickwillow and Stretham and at Wicken Fen, for school children to do outdoor activities such as pond dipping and learning about farmers’ work towards safeguarding the biodiversity in the area – 10 schools to be involved.

Organisation of a bus tour – linking up local steam engine and drainage museums – farms – pumping stations, showcasing the range of work done to manage water, land and biodiversity in the area. Linking this in with Heritage Open Weekend – x2.

Working with key visitor attractions, museums and tourist information centres, to work towards creation of permanent exhibitions displaying results of research and project.

Feeding into established, related events, such as the Cambridge Science Festival, the Ely Science Festival and the Heritage Open Days. Development of social marketing, using local flagship and iconic species such as Water Violet and water voles as part of the campaign to instil

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pride as a driving force for improving awareness and changing behaviours. Develop volunteers to enable them to support the school workshops developed, and provide opportunities for volunteering to support events

and school trips.Costs HLF grant element Capital

work£10,000 – mainly: Interpretation and digital outputs

Activities £30,000 – mainly: Engagement activities and outputs for schools, community groups and others


£5,000 Mainly: Specialists’ and organisation’s staffing time input£5,000 Mainly: Volunteers’ time

TOTAL £40,000 HLF grant + £10,000 match funding/ Total project cost: £50,000Audience Groups targeted

Community and User Groups Educational providers (& their pupils) Local People Newcomers


20


1,000



Better managed (W)



Identified/recorded






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Volunteered time







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Sub-Project Number 5Sub- Project Name Wildlife & History Safaris (on Water and Land)Lead Partner Cambridgeshire ACREOther partners involved(and their key roles)

Co-lateral Coordination of parts of the guided tours delivered through this project, in close co-operation with Cambridgeshire ACRE and a number of partners

Local boatyards and boating & canoe hire businesses Key for delivering water-based activities, as owners of equipment needed

Range of specialist in conservation, land & water management; IDBs; heritage, history, archives, story telling; Fenland poetry; and arts

Engagement specialists for e.g. guided boat tours and interpreted walks (and cycle rides) on the Old West, Rothschild’s Way, Aldreth Causeway and the extensive Rights of Way network, and elsewhere in the area

NT’s Wicken Fen; Wildlife Trust BCN; RSPB; Cambridge Conservation Forum; and others

Venues and specialist input into events and engagement activities

Visit Cambridge & Beyond DMO; Cambridge Local Access Forum; Inland Waterways Association; Environment Agency; local visitor-related attractions and businesses; and others

Help with, and linking in with visitor-related initiatives on water and land in the area; promotion and marketing.

Summary This project will be instrumental, through a fun and inspiring events programme, to raise public awareness and improve understanding of the special yet vulnerable biodiversity on people’s doorstep. Using engaging ‘safaris’, on water and on land, knowledgeable storytellers and specialists in the natural heritage and other aspects of the landscape will take local people on a journey of discovery and inspiration.

We will link these water- and land-based safaris with educational and arts-based activities (e.g. willow weaving), as a means to increase people’s awareness of the distinctiveness and significance of the biodiversity on their doorstep. Without awareness and knowledge of the environment (followed by barrier removal by physically taking people around their own landscape and showing their environment from a different perspective) then behaviour change (i.e. caring for the environment) is not possible. The ultimate aim is to reach out to a great number of people, instilling a stronger connectedness with the local nature and promoting landscape conservation practices and reduction of biodiversity loss.

Aims Improving people’s awareness of the diversity and significance of the natural heritage in their area, especially the high biodiversity value in the ditch network, on community green spaces and in the wider landscape.

Delivery of a programme of year-round events that take place on the water and on land to inspire more people and more different groups in the local communities to explore their local countryside and local nature assets, also promoting sustainable visitor-focused local businesses in the process.

Using exciting and refreshing ways of showcasing the specialness of the landscape by getting people out on boat tours and on heritage and arts-inspired walking and some cycling tours, in the process also telling the stories of the fens’ natural history from point of view of drainage, species

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Appendix I

and management. Employing the extensive creative sector network to use technology, photos, art, poetry, music and drama to interpret the ecological networks

and tell the story of the Fens and importance of man’s interaction with the fenland landscape and its significant wetland features. Communicating an understanding of the management of fenland habitats in an engaging way, spreading clear messages about the importance of

future-proofing land management practices and inspiring people to share these messages wider.Outputs (& Targets) – Capital Work

Production of a range of digital outputs, promoted through diverse media. Online record of the project and online and paper-based presence in key visitor hubs and tourist information centres.


Guided walks and talks/ talks held for local people and community groups, to further develop their understanding of the value and importance of care and management of the fenland habitats – minimum of 10 talks and guided walks.

Providing for a range of themed water-based experiences on the Old West, lower Cam and Ely Ouse rivers, as well as the Lodes on and west of Wicken Fen nature reserve, ideally using e.g. electric boats and similar environmental-friendly vehicles. This will give people the chance to see the world with different eyes, experiencing the natural world with a special sense of slowness and improve people’s understanding of the biodiversity and land & water management in the area – minimum of 20 boat trips organised.

Number of further events held in local communities – x5 Biodiversity, history, arts and engagement specialists involved in project delivery and 'safaris'. Improve knowledge of newly created Rothschild’s Way long-distance walk through the promotion and delivery of associated events and walks-

and-talks, e.g. at the Wicken Fen start of the trail. Promotion of physical access to the landscape through trails and PROW, using existing interpretation panels & footpath network, to promote

routes already established. Promotion of related events in local villages, nature reserves and visitor attractions, linking in with information provision about the project and its

events. Selected artist involved to develop work that will facilitate the community in the discovery, exploration, conservation and sharing of natural

heritage. Creation of a number of leaflets and publications for participants and local communities. Provide opportunities for local groups, organisations and schools to embed activities in their uptake of the John Muir Awards.

Costs HLF grant element Capital work £5,000 - mainly: Digital outputsActivities £50,000 - mainly: Engagement activities; boat and venue hire costs


£10,000 Mainly: Volunteers’ time, including some of specialists involved£5,000 Mainly: In-kind venues and equipment usage

TOTAL £55,000 HLF grant + £15,000 match funding/ Total project cost: £70,000Audience Groups targeted

Newcomers Local People Educational providers (& their pupils)

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Appendix I


50


1,500



Better managed (W)



Identified/recorded






Volunteered time







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Documents

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