'Fragile' broads wildlife boosted

A four-year restoration project which aims to benefit wetland wildlife in the Norfolk Broads through clearing overgrown plants, has been announced.

The RSPB's Mid Yare nature reserves stretch nine miles (14km) along the River Yare from Surlingham to Cantley.

The organisation aims to remove shrub and silted-up ditches to restore swathes of open fen, providing habitat for birds, water voles and otters.

Natural England part-funded the project to return to a 19th Century landscape.

Tim Strudwick, RSPB Mid Yare site manager, said: "Fen habitat has declined dramatically in the last century, so it's really important that we protect and restore the remaining areas of this unique habitat.

"Restoring large swathes of fen across the Mid Yare will help a whole host of wildlife, from scarce wild flowers and insects to bitterns, water voles and otters."