The expansion is part of a 25-year project for Wicken Fen

Wicken Fen, which was the first nature reserve acquired by the National Trust, is to expand by 42 hectares as part of a project to enhance the habitat.

The wetland expansion follows an award of �500,000 made from the Landfill Communities Fund for the site.

The trust said it plans expansion of wetland for endangered species.

Since it was acquired by the trust in 1901, it has expanded to incorporate 1,350 acres of wetland, while surrounding areas have been drained to make way for farming.

The enlargement of the nature reserve, by buying land adjacent to Burwell Fen, forms part of the 25-year plan for the site called the Wicken Fen Vision project.

The project involves creating floodplain grazing marsh, wet woodland, fen and reed bed to benefit wildlife including otter, water vole, bittern, song thrush and great crested newt.

Beth Bottrill, of the National Trust, said: "The trust was presented with an opportunity to acquire 42 hectares of arable land adjoining the existing reserve and we knew this award was our only chance to acquire it.

"What's more the award will also enable us to undertake water level management works to create important wetland habitats for endangered species."