Little Ouse Headwaters Project (LOHP) has been awarded funding through Anglian Water’s Thriving Communities Fund to help us deliver year 3 of our ‘Ponds for the Future’ project on Webbs Fen that will see a network of ponds created benefiting wildlife and communities on the Norfolk/Suffolk border.
The funding will support the third year of our pond project on Webbs Fen, which is part of our wider pond strategy to create a network of wetland and pond habitats across our reserves. We have just completed year 1 of the project where we created 6 ponds, which was a great success and have funding secured for year 2 for an additional 6 ponds to be created and now year 3 from Anglian Water, for a further 6 ponds to be created which will help to protect the local water environment, while engaging with the local communities.
The funded project will include:
Creation of 6 wildlife ponds on Webbs Fen in 2028
Provide tools and equipment for volunteers
Informing and educating local communities about the importance of ponds, by funding a special pond edition of our newsletter ‘News from the Ouse’
LOHP Conservation Manager, Ellie Beach said: “This funding will make a huge difference enabling us to complete the third year of our ‘Ponds for the Future’ project on Webbs Fen, creating a further 6 ponds bringing the total to 18 new ponds for wildlife. Creating wetland habitats which will cope with a changing climate, protecting the species that live in and use them for the future. While educating the local community about the importance of our water environment.”
A spokesperson for Anglian Water said: “Through our Thriving Communities Fund, we’re proud to support community‑led projects that are helping to protect and enhance the natural environment while delivering real benefits for local communities. This funding is part of how we’re Building for Better, working in partnership to deliver positive, long‑term outcomes across our region.”
The fund is delivered in partnership with Cambridgeshire Community Foundation, who manage the application process and distribution of grants.
