Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve
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Overview
Wicken Fen, the first nature reserve owned by the National Trust is a unique remnant of ancient un-drained fenland which once covered the vast lowlands of East Anglia. An internationally renowned wetland, the reserve is home to over 9000 recorded species, including rarities such as hen harriers and bittern, plants and insects, as well as grazing herds of highland cattle or konik. The reserve consists of a variety of habitats, sedge fields, reedbeds, fen meadows, open water, wet grasslands and man-made waterways, known locally as Lodes. Explore the reserve via the network of walking trails, hire a bike for an exciting cycle ride through the wider reserve, or take the Lodes Way cycleway to nearby Anglesey Abbey. Spend a night or two at the reserves wild campsite, or take a boat trip in the spring or summer months along the local waterways. Dating from the early 18th century, Fen Cottage, with its low beams and period features offers a unique insight into how fen folk lived and earned their livings cutting sedge, peat digging, wildfowling and eel catching. The Wicken Fen Vision is a major project to expand the reserve, creating a reserve covering 53 sq km, stretching to the outskirts of Cambridge.
Features
- Opening Times
- Open all year
- Opening Times: Reserve, Visitor Centre, cafe and shop open all year daily 10-5. Cycle hire Easter-Oct, daily 10-5 (last hire 3)
- Facilities
- Parking onsite
- Cafe
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.
Places to eat nearby View all
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...
