A PROJECT to join two nature reserves is underway in Huntingdonshire thanks to a grant of £130,000. The money, from the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, was granted following an application by Dr Francine Hughes, of the department of life sciences at Anglia Ru

A PROJECT to join two nature reserves is underway in Huntingdonshire thanks to a grant of £130,000.

The money, from the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, was granted following an application by Dr Francine Hughes, of the department of life sciences at Anglia Ruskin University.

The money will be used to monitor the former arable land, which is adjacent to Woodwalton Nature Reserve and Holme Fen in Huntingdonshire, as it is turned into 3,700 hectares of wetland known as the Great Fen Project.

Dr Hughes said: "The main aim of the project is to create extensive, species-rich areas that can act as buffer zones to the National Nature Reserves and to provide wild places for people's enjoyment."

Anglia Ruskin University will run the project in partnership with the National Trust, the Wildlife Trust and the Environment Agency. Monks Wood will also be involved, and a new project officer post will be established to help monitor both projects.