Holes drilled in sluices and riverside pilings are helping kingfishers to thrive in the Fens.

Eastern Daily Press: Cliff Carson from the Middle Level Drainage Board drilling out a burrow. Picture: Kate PollardCliff Carson from the Middle Level Drainage Board drilling out a burrow. Picture: Kate Pollard (Image: Archant)

Drainage boards on the Middle Level have now made more than 90 holes which the tiny birds can use as burrows.

Newsletter the Natural Level reports: 'Kingfishers had another very successful nesting season in the Middle Level during 2017. While mild

winters without prolonged freezing conditions may not be favoured by fen skaters, it certainly has helped the survival of good numbers of kingfishers.

'Newly adopted holes out of the 93 drilled for them included

sites in Woodwalton, the Hundred Foot Washes, Benwick IDB District and March Riverside.'

Timber retaining walls are also being trialled to create burrowing sites in the sides of culverts for the birds.