Films engage people with local wildlife

Moth by Bob Ellis
Moth by Bob Ellis

Communities around the Ouse Washes Landscape can take pride in a series of short films created by the Great Ouse Wetland Project. A myriad of moths and fantastic Fenland hares are featured in the first two films created at WWT Welney Wetland Centre, on the border of Norfolk and Cambridgeshire.

With over 2,000 moth species found here in the UK, we introduce you to these amazing insects and the wildlife arms race between them and the predators that rely on them as food. The humble hare is captured in a second film; showing how fast paced their life can get during spring, when they become the Mad March hare!

Louise recording moths by Adam Finch
Louise recording moths by Adam Finch

Volunteers and staff at WWT Welney have put in hours of work to show local people why this area is so important for people and wildlife. This has all been made possible with a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the support of the Ouse Washes Landscape Partnership scheme (OWLP).

Adam Finch, Media Production Officer, said:

Hare by Adam Finch
Hare by Adam Finch

‘This week will mark the half way point in our journey to capture life on the Great Ouse Wetlands. It’s been a fantastic year so far and our talented team of 30 media production volunteers have been busy documenting the beautiful diversity of wetland species we have here in the region; with over 750 hours donated.

‘Our hope is that the project will continue to facilitate engagement with our conservation efforts in a new innovative way, reaching new audiences and raising awareness of the fantastic work WWT does here at Welney whilst celebrating the beautiful wildlife it supports’.

Mark Nokkert, OWLP Programme Manager, said:

‘The WWT’s Great Ouse Wetland project is one of the key projects of the 25 delivered by the Ouse Washes Landscape Partnership.

‘WWT Welney Wetland Centre have provided tens of volunteers with in-depth training in wildlife filming and editing and are doing an excellent job of getting local people actively involved with the rich, internationally significant biodiversity of the Great Ouse Wetland.

‘The project is also reaching the wider partnership’s ambitions of encouraging a sense of pride in people’s environment, and creating a host of fascinating films showcasing why the Ouse Washes Landscape is worth visiting as a tourist destination’.

Everyone can get involved with the conversations about these videos via social media. To find out more about the Great Ouse Wetland project and to watch the films created so far click here.

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