Wicken Fen Vision
Handover of Hurdle Hall to National Trust
Launch of Viridor Credits Walk

An official handover ceremony will be held at 1200 on Friday 5 September, to mark the acquisition of Hurdle Hall and the launch of a new waymarked walk by the National Trust thanks to a major grant from Viridor, one of the UK's leading waste management companies.

A substantial grant from the Viridor Credits Scheme earlier this year has enabled the National Trust to purchase the 103 acre Hurdle Hall Farm next to Burwell Fen as part of its Wicken Fen Vision, a unique plan to create a 56 sq km landscape scale nature reserve between Cambridge and Wicken Fen. The Viridor Credits Scheme distributes money that Viridor would otherwise pay as Landfill Tax on rubbish it disposes at its landfill sites.

Speaking on the purchase of Hurdle Hall, Patrick Capper, Chief Executive of Viridor Credits said: "The Wicken Fen Vision stood out as a worthy recipient of our Community Wildlife Award. Not only will our funds be used to protect and enhance one of the most biologically diverse areas in Europe but will also enable current and future generations to enjoy this wonderful and beautiful area."

Philip Broadbent Yale, National Trust Area Manager said "The Trust is extremely
grateful to Viridor for their support of the Wicken Fen Vision. The financial support provided will enable the Trust to achieve three key objectives of the Wicken Fen Vision, wildlife conservation, provision for public recreation and environmental education."

The purchase of Hurdle Hall will enable the National Trust to undertake habitat restoration work on Hurdle Hall and adjacent Burwell Fen to restore over 500 acres of former arable land to grazing marsh, wet woodland, reedbed and fen, priority habitats in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.

Wildlife won't be the only benefactors, Viridor funds are also being used to create a new way marked walk, "The Viridor Credits Walk" around Hurdle Hall and Burwell Fen. Starting from the Wicken Fen visitor centre, the 7 mile walk takes in Sedge, Bakers and Burwell Fens together with Hurdle Hall enabling visitors to view and learn about habitat management from the un- drained ancient Sedge Fen to land in various states of transition back to grazing marsh and Fen.

Chris Soans, Wicken Fen Property Manager said "The Viridor Credits Walk will make a fantastic day out for all the family, a chance for some healthy exercise and a great opportunity to view the abundant wildlife that inhabits Wicken Fen and the Vision lands"

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Notes to Editors
1. The Wicken Fen Vision was launched by the National Trust in 1999. Full details of the Wicken Fen Vision can be viewed on this web site
2. Copies of the Viridor Credits Walk leaflet can be obtained from the Wicken Fen Visitor Centre or by telephoning 01353 720274 or e-mail wickenfen@nationaltrust.org.uk