Wildflowers make a come back at New Fen

A wonderful display of wildflowers can be seen on New Fen this year as the fen plants start to make a come back. New Fen had lost its fen habitat as it became colonised by trees, last year we set about removing them with many a volunteer task spent clearing vegetation.

Once the trees were gone a sea of nettles and thistles developed but with careful management these are now making way for some of the once lost fen plants. This is only the beginning we have a long way to go to match Thelnetham Fen next door, but we are well on our way. Next step will be to cut the fen vegetation once it has stopped flowering, this is a big job if you want to come along and lend a hand please get in touch with our Conservation Manager Ellie Beach ellie.beach@lohp.org.uk

Help save Reeves Meadows

We are excited to have a once-in-lifetime opportunity to purchase a key piece of land which provides both a vital link in our chain of wildlife sites along the Little Ouse river, and a new gateway for visitors to the valley. Reeves Meadows run from ancient Thelnetham Church down to the river, and reunite the rich wildlife sites of Hinderclay Fen and the Thelnetham and Blo-Norton Fens. They also link Carr Meadow, our most recent acquisition, to these sites, providing even greater possibilities for enhancing the wildlife and landscape of this already internationally important area. The opportunity to provide a discrete parking area close to the road will be welcomed by the many people who enjoy walking the valley's many footpaths and discovering its rich wildlife, from otters to orchids.

To secure Reeves Meadows as an integral link in the Little Ouse wildlife corridor, and for the enjoyment of future generations, we urgently need to raise £140,000. Please visit our appeal page and help make this dream a reality.

National award recognises the LOHP's work

We're excited and honoured to announce that we've won the prestigious CIEEM (the Professional Membership Body for Ecologists and Environmental Managers in the UK and Ireland) NGO Impact Award against strong national competition. The award was announced on the summer solstice at a ceremony in the grand surrounds of the Merchant Taylors' Hall in Threadneedle Street, London - a far cry from the Little Ouse Headwaters! It recognises the achievements of the dedicated and dogged LOHP volunteers over the last 16 years, working to restore and reunite the precious valley fens, as well as heaths and meadows, alongside the upper reaches of the Little Ouse. We're very grateful to CIEEM and to the awards sponsors WildCare.