The Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits Special Protection Area
Northampton Washlands Public awareness raising sessions

Back to main Projects page >>>

The Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits is of international importance for more than 20,000 over-wintering birds. In 2011 the site gained international recognition through designation as a Special Protection Area (SPA) under the EU Birds Directive. Northampton Washlands is one of the most important sites supporting more birds than any other in the SPA. The site receives the same level of protection as internationally important wildlife sites as the Camargue in France and the Coto Donana in Spain.

Natural England is working with partners to conserve this important site. At Northampton Washlands the RNRP team is developing a site management plan with Natural England in order to achieve this; therefore ensuring the unique value of the Washlands is safeguarded for the future. 

The first part of the management plan is to directly engage with the public to raise awareness through a recreational users guide. These sessions will inform on how to fully enjoy the Washlands without impacting on the birds through disturbance, which recent surveys have shown have had a negative impact on the site. By using the permitted access the safeguarding of the birds can be maintained whilst enhancing the Washlands and making it enjoyable for all.

The on site work will commence on 9th December 2011 through to February 2012. A formal awareness raising day with the RSPB is planned for January details to follow.

FLOCK TO THE VALLEY : NORTHAMPTONSHIRE WASHLANDS  Saturday 14th January, 8am to 4pm Staff and volunteers from River Nene Regional Park and the RSPB invited regular and new visitors to the Washlands, to come and view glittering golden plovers and whistling wigeon through high-powered telescopes. Select here for more information and images from the day >>>

Select here to download the Northampton Washlands Display Panel  (pdf 582 Kb) >>> Select here to download the Northampton Washlands SPA Information Leaflet (pdf 1.2 Mb) >>> Select here to download the Northampton Washlands recreational users awareness raising Q & A sheet (pdf 154 Kb) >>>

For further information please contact Neil Monaghan, RNRP Project Officer via the Contact Page >>>

or Natural England T: 0845 6003078 W: www.naturalengland.org.uk

Gallery

Select the thumbnails below to view image of the SPA