Arger Fen and Spouses Vale Extension Project

The project will buy and restore the 18ha Arger Fen SSSI adjacent to Spouse’s Vale nature reserve, creating a contiguous 48 ha mosaic of ancient and regenerating woodland, grassland and wet woodland, managed for nature conservation, within the Dedham Vale AONB. Arger Fen supports relic populations of dormouse, with further populations in Spouses Vale. The removal of conifer plantation from 4 ha of Arger Fen has been completed and the project will lead the restoration of broadleaf woodland and ground flora through natural regeneration. This will improve the habitat for dormouse, securing the existing populations and enabling them to extend their range.