These were worked since the 1950s, by ARC (now Hanson plc), and is now a habitat for some 190 bird species, along with other associated wildlife.In times of heavy rain and river flooding, the entire reserve goes under water, including car parks and most rights of way.The Ouse Washes are managed by the RSPB[5] and Welney is run by the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust.[6] In January 2013, following a prolonged period of local flooding, a seal was spotted and filmed in a ditch linked to the nearby Great Ouse, some 50 miles from the sea.[7] George Butler whose family originated in Huntingdon was resident in 1575 at Fen Drayton and had six sons.