Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve
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Overview
Wicken Fen NNR is England’s most famous fen, the National Trust’s oldest nature reserve, and one of Europe’s most important wetlands, supporting an abundance of wildlife. There are more than 9,170 recorded species, including a spectacular array of plants, birds and dragonflies. The raised boardwalks and lush grass droves allow easy access to a lost landscape of flowering meadows, sedge and reedbeds, where you can encounter rarities such as hen harriers, water voles and bitterns. Look out and listen for the high-pitched song of the grasshopper warbler, the distinctive call of the cuckoo from the tree tops, hobbies taking dragonflies on the wing and emperor, broad-bodied chaser and common darter dragonflies. Wildflowers include yellow rattle, oxeye daisies, orchids, meadow rue and comfrey and you may catch fleeting glimpses of bats feeding on insects towards dusk. Wicken Fen Vision, an ambitious landscape-scale conservation project, is opening up new areas to explore. Grazing herds of Highland cattle and Konik ponies are helping to create a diverse range of new habitats.
About the area
To the west of East Anglia is Cambridgeshire, a county best known as the home to the university that makes up the second half of ‘Oxbridge’ (the other half is Oxford). As well as its globally renowned educational credentials, it also has a rich natural history; much of its area is made up of reclaimed or untouched fens.
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Nearby places to stay
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Nearby places to stay
Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa
Nestled in three acres of manicured and landscaped gardens in Newmarket, Bedford Lodge Hotel is a former 18th-century Georgian hunting lodge with more modern additions. Public rooms fea...
Best Western Heath Court Hotel
Heath Court Hotel enjoys a very convenient location close to the town centre and overlooks the Newmarket gallops. Bedrooms are all well-equipped and spacious, and free WiFi is available...
The Fenland Gite
The Fenland Gite is a delightful, compact but well-appointed self-contained ground-floor annexe with a small, private, fully enclosed patio area with outdoor table and chairs. There’s o...
The Fenland Gite
The Fenland Gite is a delightful, compact but well-appointed self-contained ground-floor annexe with a small, private, fully enclosed patio area with outdoor table and chairs. There’s o...
Quy Mill Hotel & Spa, Cambridge
Set in open countryside, Quy Mill is a 19th-century former watermill conveniently situated for access to Cambridge. Bedroom styles differ, yet each room is comfortably appointed and bri...
Worlington Hall
First established in 1570, Worlington Hall has welcomed guests from near and far for over 450 years through the arches of this majestic manor. The Hall is currently undergoing a sympath...
The Packhorse Inn
The Packhorse Inn is situated just a short drive from Newmarket in the heart of a village close to a medieval bridge over the River Kennet. The property has sixteen individually designe...
Ashley Hotel
Expect a warm welcome at Ashley Hotel, a delightful Victorian property situated just a short walk from the River Cam. The smartly decorated bedrooms are generally quite spacious and equ...
