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Management and funding
An area of internationally important wetland, the Ouse Washes form the largest example of washland in Britain and is one of the most important lowland wet grassland sites.
Conservation work is currently focused on habitat restoration and management of this internationally important wetland. Over 2,000 grazing cattle will help manage the grass sward, while thinning and coppicing will improve willow and osier beds.
More than 65 miles of ditches and dams will be created and maintained to actively manage water around the site; flooding lagoons, pools and 14 sluices; in addition, hundreds of pipes will be installed and managed, which are instrumental in controlling water levels across the site.
In summer, the Ouse Washes attract huge numbers of nationally important wading birds, such as lapwing and black-tailed godwit. A tranquil amenity for local people and visitors, facilities such as information displays, hides and paths are also being refurbished and updated.
This nature reserve is part of the Wildlife Guardians Scheme, which is supported by the SITA Environmental Trust through the Landfill Communities Fund (formerly the Landfill Tax Credit Scheme), and Scottish and Southern Energy plc.