The Great Meadow project at Paxton Pits nature reserve has taken a further step forward with the installation of a new wind pump to create wetter areas in the meadow for the benefit of wild flowers and wildlife.

Made in Axminster, Devon by GB Windpumps, it is the kind of small “windmill” found in the American west or in Australia, and used to raise water for animals on ranches. In the UK they are increasingly being used on nature reserves to create wet grassland areas.

In the Great Meadow, which lies along the Ouse Valley Way, just north of Little Paxton, large irrigation channels have been created and these have increased the wildlife interest. Huntingdonshire District Council ranger, Roland Fletcher, who is managing the project reports seeing grass snakes, frogs and sticklebacks in the ditches.

Wild flowers are starting to establish themselves and some interesting birds have been seen on site, but the overall effect on the grassland has been minimal because of the need for mechanical help to raise the water.  The new wind-pump can raise water continuously from the well to create wet areas in the grassland.

Roland Fletcher said: “It has been such a delight to see a neglected corner of the reserve rapidly turning into a classic piece of Cambridgeshire scenery with wet meadows bordering the river, grazed by cattle and irrigated by a silent, unobtrusive  and environmentally friendly pump.”