In restoring such a large area of fenland landscape, The Great Fen Project will address the problems of two nationally and internationally important nature reserves, Holme Fen and Woodwalton Fen, ultimately joining the two together.  It will provide access to the countryside for a large number of people.  The project is being developed in stages, each one generating incremental benefits.

The Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire & Peterborough's (WTBCNP) application to Biffaward was specifically for land purchase and restoration next to Holme Fen National Nature Reserve.  These specific fields will be restored to wet grassland, benefiting species such as lapwing and snipe, and allowing other species to extend their range from Holme Fen.  Halting drainage will allow more water to stay within Holme Fen and, as water levels rise, conditions within the reserve will dramatically improve.

Also with Biffaward funding, WTBCNP has specially commissioned a 'Fen Harvester' to manage the grassland efficiently. 

The overall Great Fen project area encompasses an area to the east of the East Coast mainline, within two miles of the A1 and approximately six miles south of Peterborough.  Apart from Woodwalton Fen and Holme Fen (both protected Sites of Special Scientific Interest), much of the remaining land in the project area is privately owned and farmed for crops.  The project is a long term investment in biodiversity, and has received enthusiastic support from national and local organisations.  Partners in the project include Natural England, the Environment Agency and Huntingdonshire District Council.

The project will work towards six main project aims:

• Safeguard two very important National Nature Reserves
• Create more than 3,000 hectares (4,200+ football pitches) of new wildlife habitat, making a major contribution to local and national targets as set out in the county and UK BAPs and Red Data Book
• Contribute to diversification in the local economy, creating opportunities for new jobs and income streams
• Sustain and enhance flood protection in the Middle Level drainage system
• Create access for a wide range of users in an area largely devoid of public footpaths
• Become a significant tourist destination

Third party funding for this Flagship project was provided by the Tubney Charitable Trust and the Friends of the Wildlife Trust.