UK051
Ouse Washes


Country/territory: United Kingdom

IBA criteria met: A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, B3, C2, C3, C4, C6 (2007)
For more information about IBA criteria, please click here

Area: 2,490 hectares (24.90 km2)

Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
IBA conservation status
Year of assessment (most recent) State (condition) Pressure (threat) Response (action)
2007 moderate high medium
For more information about IBA monitoring, please click here


Site description (2007 baseline)
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.


Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Ouse Washes (United Kingdom). Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/ouse-washes-iba-united-kingdom on 23/12/2024.