Fiddlers Hill Wetland Improvement, The Essex and Suffolk Rivers Trust

The Fiddlers Hill Wetland Improvement project aims to enhance five hectares of floodplain grazing marsh along the north banks of the River Colne, near Colchester. The project will involve the creation of new wetland scrapes, fen, ponds, and river features to expand habitats and improve biodiversity. Additionally, it will enhance the visitor experience, particularly for walkers using the Essex Way public right of way. Community engagement will be a key aspect of the project, incorporating local school and council initiatives, onsite events, and the installation of interpretation boards to educate visitors about the project, local wildlife, and landscape features. Furthermore, the project will contribute to flood risk management by increasing the site’s capacity for floodwater storage.

While the primary objective is to enhance priority habitats and biodiversity, the project will also provide secondary benefits, including alleviating flooding on Mill Road. The expansion of fen within the floodplain meadow, along with the creation of ponds and scrapes (shallow depressions), will help store water during flood events, benefiting both wildlife and aquatic species. Additional tree planting and habitat creation will further improve biodiversity, supporting a wider range of species. The project aligns with local and national biodiversity targets, enhances the landscape’s aesthetic value, and contributes to carbon capture. These efforts support the need for increased wetland areas, as outlined on page 57 of the 25 Year Environment Plan and in Defra’s integrated plan for delivering clean and plentiful water. Given that the Essex Way long-distance path runs through the site, interpretation boards and visitor engagement features will be installed to educate and inform walkers about the area’s natural environment.