Ouse Washes (2566)
United Kingdom, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: D1a
Year of last assessment: 2007
National site name: Ouse Washes
Central coordinates: Latitude: 52.4587, Longitude: 0.1782
System: freshwater, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 1 to 2
Area of KBA (km2): 24.99159
Protected area coverage (%): 99.98
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: The Ouse Washes lie between the Old and New Bedford Rivers and act as a flood-water storage system during the winter months, subjecting the unimproved neutral grassland to regular winter flooding. The flood meadow sward is characterized by many reed, grass and herb species. A diverse aquatic flora also exists at the site. The IBA is important for breeding ducks and wintering wildfowl.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance that meets the thresholds for at least one criterion described in the Global Standard for the Identification of KBAs.
Delineation rationale: First identified in 1989; no significant boundary changes since then. SPA boundary used from JNCC; digitised at 1:10,000 scale.
Habitats
Land use: agriculture | nature conservation and research | water management
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Grassland | 50 | |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 50 |
Threats
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural system modifications | Dams & water management/use | Small dams | Ongoing |
| Pollution | Agricultural & forestry effluents | Nutrient loads | Ongoing |
| Pollution | Domestic & urban waste water | Sewage | Ongoing |
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Annual & perennial non-timber crops | Agro-industry farming | Only in the future |
| Energy production & mining | Renewable energy | Only in the future | |
| Transportation & service corridors | Utility & service lines | Only in the future |