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© Stephen Matthews

Wicken Fen Nature Reserve

52.31056 , 0.29130

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK)

A fen is a form of wetland fed by ground water, occurring naturally in eastern England. Beginning in the Middle Ages, extensive areas of fenland were drained to provide farmland. Wicken Fen is an exception: the core area is a rare example of undrained fenland which was acquired by the National Trust in 1899, making this one of the oldest nature reserves in the U.K. In recent years, the area has been extended by allowing adjacent farmland to revert to wetland. Wicken Fen is protected as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and as a wetland under the Ramsar treaty. One of the richest sites for wildlife in Cambridgeshire, it is home to some 9500 species including around 200 birds typical of fenland, such as bitterns and egrets, harriers and numerous breeding warblers. 
 

Delete exact location

The introductory text should contain general information about the site, which may include for instance:
• geographic/ biogeographic location
• habitat and vegetation
• typical bird species/bird communities
• protection status
• land use and history
• importance for birdwatching

Coordinates were changed by Stephen Matthews : 52.3106/0.2913 (2024-05-19 20:53:42 )

Coordinates were changed by Stephen Matthews : 52.3106/0.2913 (2024-05-17 17:00:41 )

Coordinates were set by Stephen Matthews : 52.3106/0.2913 (2024-05-17 16:36:36 )

Site name was set by Stephen Matthews as "Wicken Fen Nature Reserve" (2024-05-17 16:36:36 )

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-10-23 13:39:55
A fen is a form of wetland fed by ground water, occurring naturally in eastern England. Beginning in the Middle Ages, extensive areas of fenland were drained to provide farmland. Wicken Fen is a rare an exception: the core area is a rare example of undrained fenland which was acquired by the National Trust in 1899, making this one of the oldest nature reserves in the U.K. In recent years, the area has been extended by allowing adjacent farmland to revert to wetland. Wicken Fen is protected as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and as a wetland under the Ramsar treaty. One of the richest sites for wildlife in Cambridgeshire, it is home to some 9500 species including around 200 birds typical of fenland, such as bitterns and egrets, harriers and numerous breeding warblers.   
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-06-17 12:23:25
A fen is a form of wetland fed by ground water, occurring naturally in eastern England. Beginning in the Middle Ages, extensive areas of fenland were drained to provide farmland. Wicken Fen is a rare exception: the core area is a rare example of undrained fenland which was acquired by the National Trust in 1899, making this one of the oldest nature reserves in the U.K. In recent years, the area has been extended by allowing adjacent farmland to revert to wetland. Wicken Fen is protected as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and as a wetland under the Ramsar treaty. One of the richest sites for wildlife in Cambridgeshire, it is home to some 9500 species including over around 200 birds typical of fenland, such as bitterns and egrets, harriers and numerous breeding warblers.   
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-06-17 12:22:53
A fen is a form of wetland fed by ground water, occurring naturally in eastern England. Beginning in the Middle Ages, extensive areas of fenland were drained to provide farmland. Wicken Fen is a rare exception: the core area is a rare example of undrained fenland which was acquired by the National Trust in 1899, making this one of the oldest nature reserves in the U.K. In recent years, the area has been extended by allowing adjacent farmland to revert to wetland. Wicken Fen is protected as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and as a wetland under the Ramsar treaty. One of the richest sites for wildlife in Cambridgeshire, it is home to some 9000 9500 species including around over 200 birds typical of fenland, such as bitterns and egrets, harriers and numerous breeding warblers.   
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-06-17 12:22:11
A fen is a form of natural wetland fed by ground water, occurring naturally in eastern England. Begining Beginning in the Middle Ages, extensive areas of fenland were drained to provide farmland. Wicken Fen is a rare exception: the core area is a rare example of undrained fenland which was acquired by the National Trust in 1899, making this one of the oldest nature reserves in the U.K. In recent years, the area has been extended by allowing adjacent farmland to revert to wetland. Wicken Fen is protected as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and as a wetland under the Ramsar treaty. One of the richest sites for wildlife in Cambridgeshire, it is home to some 9000 species including around 200 birds typical of fenland, such as bitterns and egrets, harriers and numerous breeding warblers.   
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-06-07 06:40:58
A fen is a form of natural wetland fed by ground water, occurring naturally in eastern England. Extensive Begining in the Middle Ages, extensive areas of fenland were drained to provide farmland. Wicken Fen is a rare exception: the core area is a rare example of undrained fenland which was acquired by the National Trust in 1899, making this one of the oldest nature reserves in the U.K. In recent years, the area has been extended by allowing adjacent farmland to revert to wetland. Wicken Fen is protected as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and as a wetland under the Ramsar treaty. One of the richest sites for wildlife in Cambridgeshire, it is home to some 9000 species including around 200 birds typical of fenland, such as bitterns and egrets, harriers and numerous breeding warblers.   
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-05-19 20:53:42
A fen is a form of natural wetland fed by ground water, occurring naturally in eastern England. Extensive areas of fenland were drained to provide farmland. Wicken Fen is a rare exception: the core area is a rare example of undrained fenland which was acquired by the National Trust in 1899, making this one of the oldest nature reserves in the U.K. In recent years, the area has been extended by allowing adjacent farmland to revert to wetland. Wicken Fen is protected as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and as a wetland under the Ramsay Ramsar treaty. One of the richest sites for wildlife in Cambridgeshire, it is home to some 9000 species including around 200 birds typical of fenland, such as bitterns and egrets, harriers and numerous breeding warblers.   
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-05-17 17:56:11
A fen is a form of natural wetland fed by ground water, occurring naturally in eastern England. Extensive areas of fenland were drained to provide farmland. Wicken Fen is a rare exception: the core area is a rare example of undrained fenland which was acquired by the National Trust in 1899, making this one of the oldest nature reserves in the U.K. In recent years, the area has been extended by allowing adjacent farmland to revert to wetland. Wicken Fen is protected as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and as a wetland under the Ramsay treaty. One of the richest sites in Cambridgeshire, it is home to some 9000 species including around 200 birds.birds typical of fenland, such as bitterns and egrets, harriers and numerous breeding warblers.   
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-05-17 17:00:41
A fen is a form of natural wetland fed by ground water, occurring naturally in eastern England. Extensive areas of fenland were drained to provide farmland. Wicken Fen is a rare exception: the core area is a rare example of undrained fenland which was acquired by the National Trust in 1899, making this one of the oldest nature reserves in the U.K. In recent years, the area has been extended by allowing adjacent farmland to revert to wetland. Wicken Fen is protected as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and as a wetland under the Ramsay treaty. One of the richest sites in Cambridgeshire, with it is home to some 9000 species recorded including around 200 birds.   
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-05-17 16:42:05
A fen is a form of natural wetland fed by ground water, occurring naturally in eastern England. Extensive areas of fenland were drained to provide farmland. Wicken Fen is a rare exception: the core area is a rare example of undrained fenland which was acquired by the National Trust in 1899, making this one of the oldest nature reserves in the U.K. In recent years, the area has been extended by allowing adjacent farmland to revert to wetland. Wicken Fen is protected as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and as a wetland under the Ramsay treaty. One of the richest sites in Cambridgeshire, with 9000 species recorded including around 200 birds.   

  • Top species

List up to ca. 25 species that:
• have a limited distribution range and/or are rare on a global level
• are most sought-after by birdwatchers at this site
• and are relatively easy to see at this site (year-round or seasonally)

Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus)
Garganey (Spatula querquedula)
Gadwall (Mareca strepera)
Gray Partridge (Perdix perdix)
Common Cuckoo (Cuculus canorus)
European Golden-Plover (Pluvialis apricaria)
Eurasian Woodcock (Scolopax rusticola)
Great Bittern (Botaurus stellaris)
Western Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus)
Hen Harrier (Circus cyaneus)
Barn Owl (Tyto alba)
Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus)
Eurasian Hobby (Falco subbuteo)
Common Grasshopper Warbler (Locustella naevia)
Eurasian Bullfinch (Pyrrhula pyrrhula)

Eurasian Woodcock (Scolopax rusticola) was added by Stephen Matthews (2024-05-17 17:59:48)

European Golden-Plover (Pluvialis apricaria) was added by Stephen Matthews (2024-05-17 17:59:38)

Hen Harrier (Circus cyaneus) was added by Stephen Matthews (2024-05-17 17:48:19)

Eurasian Bullfinch (Pyrrhula pyrrhula) was added by Stephen Matthews (2024-05-17 17:42:41)

Common Grasshopper Warbler (Locustella naevia) was added by Stephen Matthews (2024-05-17 17:41:36)

Eurasian Hobby (Falco subbuteo) was added by Stephen Matthews (2024-05-17 17:41:01)

Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus) was added by Stephen Matthews (2024-05-17 17:40:42)

Western Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus) was added by Stephen Matthews (2024-05-17 17:40:24)

Barn Owl (Tyto alba) was added by Stephen Matthews (2024-05-17 17:40:11)

Common Cuckoo (Cuculus canorus) was added by Stephen Matthews (2024-05-17 17:39:03)

Great Bittern (Botaurus stellaris) was added by Stephen Matthews (2024-05-17 17:38:24)

Gray Partridge (Perdix perdix) was added by Stephen Matthews (2024-05-17 17:38:11)

Gadwall (Mareca strepera) was added by Stephen Matthews (2024-05-17 17:37:49)

Garganey (Spatula querquedula) was added by Stephen Matthews (2024-05-17 17:37:22)

Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus) was added by Stephen Matthews (2024-05-17 17:37:08)

  • Timing and strategy

The site is productive at all seasons. Spring sees bitterns and cuckoos calling. In spring and summer a range of warblers may include Reed, Sedge and Cetti's Warblers, Common Grasshopper Warbler, Common and Lesser Whitethroat. Autumn brings waders such as European Golden-Plover and Black-tailed Godwit. In winter, resident Marsh Harriers and Barn Owls are joined by Hen Harriers and Short-eared Owls. Waterfowl include Whooper Swans which are present from November to April.

The reserve covers a large area, ideally calling for at least half a day, though an evening visit is worthwhile in spring or summer. It is divided into two areas: the National Trust core area and the extended area to the south and east. Each of these areas would take some 2 hours to survey satisfactorily.

The shortest of several circular walks is the Boardwalk Trail beginning at the Visitor Centre. A longer route leads to the Roger Clarke Hide, around the Fen area to the Old Tower Hide and back to the visitor centre. Outside the National Trust core area, a triangular route leads from the Visitor Centre along Wicken Lode to the West Mere Hide, then southeast along Harrison Drove to a second hide, and back to the Visitor Centre via Moore's Drove.

Give recommendations for making your visit as productive as possible.
This may include for instance:
• best season
• best time of the day
• how much time to spend at the site
• best means of locomotion within the site
• recommended routes / areas within the site
• guiding

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-06-07 06:42
The site is productive at all seasons. Spring sees bitterns and cuckoos calling. In spring and summer a range of warblers may include Reed, Sedge and Cetti's Warblers, Common Grasshopper Warbler, Common and Lesser Whitethroat. Autumn brings waders such as European Golden-Plover and Black-tailed Godwit. In winter, resident Marsh Harriers and Barn Owls are joined by Hen Harriers and Short-eared Owls. Waterfowl include Whooper Swans which are present from November to April. The reserve covers a large area, ideally calling for at least half a day, though an evening visit is worthwhile in spring or summer. It is divided into two areas: the National Trust core area and the extended area to the south and east. Each of these areas would take some 2 hours to survey satisfactorily. The shortest of several circuits circular walks is the Boardwalk Trail beginning at the Visitor Centre. A longer route leads to the Roger Clarke Hide, around the Fen area to the Old Tower Hide and back to the visitor centre. Outside the National Trust core area, a triangular route leads from the Visitor Centre along Wicken Lode to the West Mere Hide, then southeast along Harrison Drove to a second hide, and back to the Visitor Centre via Moore's Drove.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-05-17 18:08
The site is productive at all seasons. Spring sees bitterns and cuckoos calling. In spring and summer a range of warblers may include Reed, Sedge and Cetti's Warblers, Common Grasshopper Warbler, Common and Lesser Whitethroat. Autumn brings waders such as European Golden-Plover and Black-tailed Godwit. In winter, resident Marsh Harriers and Barn Owls are joined by Hen Harriers and Short-eared Owls. Owls. Waterfowl include Whooper Swans which are present from November to April. The reserve covers a large area, ideally calling for at least half a day, though an evening visit is worthwhile in spring or summer. It is divided into two areas: the National Trust core area and the extended area to the south and east. Each of these areas would take some 2 hours to survey satisfactorily. The shortest of several circuits is the Boardwalk Trail beginning at the Visitor Centre. A longer route leads to the Roger Clarke Hide, around the Fen area to the Old Tower Hide and back to the visitor centre. Outside the National Trust core area, a triangular route leads from the Visitor Centre along Wicken Lode to the West Mere Hide, then southeast along Harrison Drove to a second hide, and back to the Visitor Centre via Moore's Drove.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-05-17 18:05
The site is productive at all seasons. Spring sees bitterns and cuckoos calling. In spring and summer a range of warblers may include Reed, Sedge and Cetti's Warblers, Common Grasshopper Warbler, Common and Lesser Whitethroat. Autumn brings waders such as European Golden-Plover and Black-tailed Godwit. In winter, resident Marsh Harriers and Barn Owls are joined by Hen Harriers and Short-eared Owls. The reserve covers a large area, ideally calling for at least half a day, though an evening visit is worthwhile in spring or summer. It is divided into two areas: the National Trust core area and the extended area to the south and east. Each of these areas would take some 2 hours to survey satisfactorily. The shortest of several circuits is the Boardwalk Trail beginning at the Visitor Centre. A longer route leads to the Roger Clarke Hide, around the Fen area to the Old Tower Hide and back to the visitor centre. Outside the National Trust core area, a triangular route leads from the Visitor Centre along Wicken Lode to the West Mere Hide, then southeast along Harrison Drove to a second hide, and back to the Visitor Centre via Moore's Drove. Drove.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-05-17 17:52
The reserve covers a large area, ideally calling for at least half a day, though an evening visit is worthwhile in spring or summer. It is divided into two areas: the National Trust core area and the extended area to the south and east. Each of these areas would take some 2 hours to survey satisfactorily. The shortest of several circuits is the Boardwalk Trail beginning at the Visitor Centre. A longer route leads to the Roger Clarke Hide, around the Fen area to the Old Tower Hide and back to the visitor centre. Outside the National Trust core area, a triangular route leads from the Visitor Centre along Wicken Lode to the West Mere Hide, then southeast along Harrison Drove to a second hide, and back to the Visitor Centre via Moore's Drove.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-05-17 17:29
The reserve covers a large area, calling for at least half a day day, though an evening visit is worthwhile in spring or summer. It is divided into two areas: the Natonal National Trust core area and the extended area to the south and east. Each of these areas would take some 2 hours to survey. survey satisfactorily. The shortest of several circuits is the Boardwalk Trail beginning at the Visitor Centre. A longer route leads to the Roger Clarke Hide, around the Fen area to the Old Tower Hide and back to the visitor centre. Outside the National Trust core area, a triangular route leads from the Visitor Centre along Wicken Lode to the West Mere Hide, then southeast along Harrison Drove to a second hide, and back to the Visitor Centre via Moore's Drove.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-05-17 17:27
The reserve covers a large area, calling for at least half a day though an evening visit is worthwhile in spring or summer. It is divided into two areas: the Natonal Trust core area and the extended area to the south and east. Each of these areas would take some 2 hours to survey. The shortest of several circuits is the Boardwalk Trail beginning at the Visitor Centre. A longer route leads to the Roger Clarke Hide, around the Fen area to the Old Tower Hide and back to the visitor centre. Outside the National Trust core area, a triangular route leads from the Visitor Centre along Wicken Lode to the West Mere Hide, then southeast along Harrison Drove to a second hide, and back to the Visitor Centre via Moore's Drove.
  • How to get there

Wicken Fen is close to Cambridge (35 minutes by car) and to Ely (15 minutes). Navigate to the village of Wicken which lies on the A1123. Brown "National Tust' road signs then point to the Nature Reserve via Lode Lane.

The closest railway stations are at Ely (9 miles) and Soham (5 miles). From Ely, one can follow the National Cycle Network route 11 to Wicken.

Explain from where and how to get to this site with private and public transport.

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-06-07 06:45
Wicken Fen is close to Cambridge (35 minutes by car) and to Ely (15 minutes). Navigate to the village of Wicken which lies on the A1123. Brown "National Tust' road signs then point to the Nature Reserve via Lode Lane.Lane. The closest railway stations are at Ely (9 miles) and Soham (5 miles). From Ely, one can follow the National Cycle Network route 11 to Wicken.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-05-17 18:16
Wicken Fen is close to Cambridge (30 (35 minutes by car) and to Ely (20 (15 minutes). Navigate to the village of Wicken which lies on the A1123. Brown "National Tust' road signs then point to the Nature Reserve via Lode Lane.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-05-17 17:29
Wicken Fen is clsoe close to Cambridge (30 minutes by car) and to Ely (20 minutes). Navigate to the village of Wicken which lies on the A1123. Brown "National Tust' road signs then point to the Nature Reserve via Lode Lane.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-05-17 16:45
Wicken Fen is clsoe to Cambridge (30 minutes by car) and to Ely (20 minutes). Navigate to the village of Wicken which lies on the A1123. Brown "National Tust' road signs then point to the Nature Reserve via Lode Lane.

The main entrance is at the southern end of Lode Lane in the village of Wicken. There is a car park operated by the National Trust, including an overflow car park behind which closes at 5pm, so that those staying later need to park in the first area. There is a charge for parking (£3.20 as of 2024) but National Trust members can use their membership cards at the payment machines to park for free.

There is an entrance free for (£9 in 2024) to enter the National Trust core area (north and west of the main waterway, Wicken Lode) which is entered through the Visitor Centre. The larger area south and east of Wicken Lode (including Moore's Drove, Harrison's Drove and the Mere) can be visited for free.

Provide information on how to enter this site, which may include:
• entry points
• entry permits / entry tickets and fees
• opening hours / opening season
• other restrictions

Note that this section should only contain information on how to ACCESS (= enter) a site. Info on how to REACH a site should be added to "How to get there" section.

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-05-17 18:10
The main entrance is at the southern end of Lode Lane.Lane in the village of Wicken. There is a car park operated by the National Trust, including an overflow car park behind which closes at 5pm, so that those staying later need to park in the first area. There is a charge for parking (£3.20 as of 2024) but National Trust members can use their membership cards at the payment machines to park for free. There is an entrance free for (£9 in 2024) to enter the National Trust core area (north and west of the main waterway, Wicken Lode) which is entered through the Visitor Centre. The larger area south and east of Wicken Lode (including Moore's Drove, Harrison's Drove and the Mere) can be visited for free.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-05-17 18:09
The main entrance is at the southern end of Lode Lane. There is a car park operated by the National Trust, including an overflow car park behind which closes at 5pm, so that those staying later need to park in the first area. There is a charge for parking (£3.20 as of 2024) but National Trust members can use their membership cards at the payment machines to park for free. There is an entrance free for (£9 in 2024) to enter the National Trust core area (north and west of the main waterway, Wicken Lode) which is entered through the Visitor Centre. The larger area south and east of Wicken Lode (including Moore's Drove, Harrison's Drove and the Mere) can be visited for free.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-05-17 16:54
The main entrance is at the southern end of Lode Lane. There is a car park operated by the National Trust, including an overflow car park behind which closes at 5pm, so that those staying later need to park in the first area. There is a charge for parking (£3.20 as of 2024) but National Trust members can use their membership cards at the payment machines to park for free. There is an entrance free for (£9 in 2024) to enter the National Trust area (north and west of the main waterway, Wicken Lode) which is entered through the Visitor Centre. The larger area south and east of Wicken Lode (including Moore's Drove, Harrison's Drove and the Mere) can be visited for free.
  • Other attractions

Add information about other attractions at this site, including
• wildlife (apart from birds)
• sights (natural, cultural, archaeological, etc.)
• activities (e.g. for non-birding companions)

Not available yet

The Visitor Centre provides maps, tips and guidebooks as well as a cafe and restrooms.

There are several hides both inside and outside the National Trust core area.

There are pubs in the area, the closest being the Maids Head in Wicken village.

Provide information about what type of facilities are available at
or near this site, including:
• information centers / information points
• catering
• accommodation
• hides and watchtowers
• restrooms / toilets

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2024-05-17 17:32
The Visitor Centre provides maps, tips and guidebooks as well as a cafe and restrooms. There are several hides both inside and outside the National Trust core area. There are pubs in the area, the closest being the Maids Head in Wicken village.

Are there any security issues or other annoyances at this site? For
instance, these may include:
• offenses like robbery or theft
• natural hazards
• dangerous or annoying animals or plants (mosquitoes, leaches, thorn bushes, etc.)
• noise pollution

Not available yet
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2024-05-12 to 2024-05-16 Cambridgeshire fenlands Stephen Matthews
Wicken Fen Nature Reserve - Orniverse