Work began in August 2024, and although designed to be seasonal the deepest excavations at the western end of the site were already holding water.
Sulham Wetlands
Action for the River Kennet (ARK) are working with Sulham Estate in West Berkshire on an ambitious habitat restoration programme across 130 hectares of former arable land.
Their part in the project is to bring an arable field, which regularly floods, back to a natural wetland state, changing the ecology and wildlife by digging a series of cells at graduated levels so that the water can be retained throughout the year.
The mix of seasonal water levels is expected to significantly increase the biodiversity of this field, as well as contributing to reduction in local flood risk by creating safe spaces to store water.
Last week, work on creating the Sulham Wetland continued.
They are still busy digging, moving soil, and seeding and they’ll soon announce a date for volunteers to join them in planting.
If you’d like to lend a hand, please email anna@riverkennet.org.
This amazing project is led by ARK and is part of The Partnerships for Nature Programme, supported by the North Wessex Downs National Landscape.
Funding for this project comes from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) Species Survival Fund, administered by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Additionally, Mend the Gap is also a contributor.
Mend The Gap
Mend the Gap has generously funded the creation of two hectares of wetland as part of the Sulham Woodmeadows project.
This initiative aims to boost biodiversity and reduce the visual impact of the nearby railway line electrification.
The project involves establishing wetland in a former arable field and planting scrub woodland to screen the railway line gantries.
The wetland will be home to a variety of species, while the surrounding field will support species-rich grassland and wildflowers to benefit local wildlife, including lapwings.
Theyre also planning to plant scrub and new woodland along the field boundary to lessen the visibility of the railway infrastructure.
This combined effort will enhance the area’s biodiversity and create a more vibrant habitat for wildlife in the National Landscape.
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