Fenland farmer Andrew Green has won the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust’s 2017 Marsh Award for Wetland Creation.

Ely Standard: Over 20 years Andrew Green has transformed 250 acres at Kingfishers Bridge near Wicken from farmed fields into meadows, reed beds and a lake.Over 20 years Andrew Green has transformed 250 acres at Kingfishers Bridge near Wicken from farmed fields into meadows, reed beds and a lake. (Image: Archant)

Over 20 years Mr Green has transformed 250 acres at Kingfishers Bridge near Wicken from farmed fields into meadows, reed beds and a lake.

Kingfishers Bridge now attracts more than 200 different bird species, including the bittern, a reclusive heron that last bred successfully in Cambridgeshire in 1936.

The reserve regularly hosts school and university groups where visitors can see good conservation practice.

Mr Green said: “I’m grateful for the encouragement that I’ve received. Before starting Kingfishers Bridge, Peter and Dafila Scott visited me and gave me some advice which has served us well over the years.

“I would like to thank the Marsh Christian Trust and WWT for their further encouragement.

“We are always learning and we will continue to improve Kingfishers Bridge and welcome everyone who would like to come and visit.”

WWT chief executive Martin Spray, who presented the award, said: “Andrew has created an extraordinary wetland, enjoyed by both people and wildlife.

“He had a clear vision for Kingfishers Bridge from the outset, which he has realised very successfully over the last 20 years. This Marsh Award is well deserved.”