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.
Key biodiversity
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2022) Important Bird Areas factsheet: Ouse Washes. Downloaded from
http://www.birdlife.org on 24/05/2022.
