Trees at a site of national importance in Fowlmere have been protected thanks to a grant from South Cambs District Council.

The money has helped to pay for the pollarding of six large crack willow trees at the popular RSPB nature reserve in Fowlmere.

The area is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, making it of national importance, and it receives around 20,000 visitors a year.

Councillor Robert Turner, responsible for planning at South Cambridgeshire District Council, said, “I am very pleased that we have been able to help with this project.

“We must create new pollards if willow trees are to remain a part of our landscape in the future and continue their special contribution to the local flora and fauna.”

Willow trees are a significant and familiar feature of the local riverside landscape and are famed for the number of different plants and insects they support.

They thrive in wet soils and their roots help to stabilise riverbanks.