News

Our latest updates

Here we share the latest news and insights from the New Life on the Old West project. Find out more about the latest wildlife enhancements, follow our project team in action and read contributions from our volunteer community and project partners.

Do you have insights to share? Get in touch at info@newlifeoldwest.org.uk to find out how you can contribute an article.

Read the first edition of our newsletter

Read the first edition of our project newsletter. Discover our summer of events and how you can get involved this autumn.

New Life on the Old West aquatic vegetation and coleoptera survey

During the spring we engaged experienced consultant aquatic ecologists to undertake an ecological survey of drainage ditches and ponds within the New Life on the Old West project area.

Walking in the Fens

We are lucky in the Old West area of the Fens to have the extensive picturesque countryside on our doorstep. Whether you are walking along the Great Ouse in Little Thetford, woodland in Rampton or agricultural fields near Over there is plenty to discover.

Springtime wildlife in the fens

Out among the fields of swelling beans, potatoes and wheat, often hidden away in deep, green, plant packed ditches, or patches of thorny scrub, there’s been some wonderful fenland wildlife to see this spring.

Working with drainage boards to enhance biodiversity

This Spring, Ely IDB (Internal Drainage Board) contracted Waterbeach/Old West IDB to install just under 1 km of pre-planted coir rolls along the eastern bank of the Engine Drain in Willow Grange Farm, Chittering.

Meet Howard — insights from our Project Manager

It’s exciting times for our New Life on the Old West project as we’re off and running. Since joining at the start of January 2021, Project Manager Howard has been busy.

Delivering our vision — an example of key project plans

This month we welcomed the National Lottery Heritage Fund to visit our project and to explore first-hand the range of new habitat enhancements and community activities that we will deliver through the New Life on the Old West project.