A senior delegation from Shanghai, China, recently visited the Hanson-RSPB Wetland Project at Ouse Fen to see the reedbed and wetland habitat creation as part of their visit to the UK. The visit included Directors from the Shanghai Chongming Dongtan National Nature Reserve, itself a large wetland reserve, and they were keen to see flagship projects which are examples of the RSPB working with the construction industry to create new nature reserves.

The delegation visited Ouse Fen, which is being created in partnership with Hanson UK aggregates, as well as signing a Wetland Collaboration Agreement between RSPB Wallasea Island nature reserve (which is being created in partnership with Crossrail) and Shanghai Chongming Dongtan National Nature Reserve.

Shanghai Chongming Dongtan National Nature Reserve is very important for the Critically Endangered spoon billed sandpiper. Conservation organisations such as RSPB, its partner organisation Birdlife International and The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust are currently working tirelessly to reverse the fortunes of this unique species of wading bird.

RSPB Ouse Valley Senior Sites Manager Chris Hudson speaking to the delegation out on the reserve:

Mr Chendong Tang: Vice Director of Shanghai Municipal Greening & City Appearance Administration and Director of Shanghai Chongming Dongtan National Nature Reserve, ready to visit Needingworth Quarry:

 Image credits: Jeff Kew

If you would like to find out more about the projects mention in this article, please click on the hyperlinks above.