Did you know wind power can save water? Well, a new wind-powered water pump is set to revitalise the Wicken Fen Nature Reserve, near Cambridge.

The National Trust's Fen reserve used to be flooded with calcium-rich river water, but much of the surrounding area has now been drained for arable use.

So it has had to rely on rainwater which is more acidic and thus harmful to the Fen’s delicate plant communities.

The wind pump will hopefully see plant life thrive. And it doesn’t produce CO2 in its operation, making it a green and sustainable method of supplying water to the Fen.

Wicken Fen already has one wind pump - the historic wooden pump used in the past to drain nearby Adventurer’s Fen for peat cutting during the summer months. Now the Fen will get a wind pump to replace, rather than remove, water!

The Environment Agency is funding the project. Dr Geoff Brighty, Environment Agency Area Manager, said: "It’s great that the free energy of the wind is being used to pump water essential to the health of one of the world’s most important wetlands. A truly sustainable solution."

Whilst we don't have wind pumps available here at BigGreenSmile we do have Ripple water buckets - ideal for saving water to transport to your own little fen, aka the garden. 

[Image: alexbrn]