Wicken Fen

The wooden windpump at Wicken Fen, the last working example in the Fens, stands proud on the undrained Sedge Fen.

A window onto a lost landscape

By Isabel Sedgwick

Discover a lost landscape, as you explore this remnant of ancient fenland, with its amazing abundance of wildlife. Imagine yourself in the past, where only the sound of the wind in the reeds and the songs and calls of warblers and wildfowl mingle with the buzz of insects.
Our lush grass droves and raised boardwalk allow you to get close to the wetland flowering meadows, sedge and reedbeds. Or why not take a trip in our traditional fen lighter boat, running on more days than ever before.

A long history, traditional nature conservation, and cutting edge plans for the future…
A National Trust property since 1899, Wicken Fen’s history as a nature reserve follows from centuries of human influence on the land.  Fen dwellers shaped the landscape by cutting sedge and peat, fishing and wildfowling.  While most of the Fens were drained for agriculture, Wicken Fen was saved from this fate by the villagers, and then by Victorian wildlife enthusiasts.  Today, the wardens still follow the traditional patterns of cutting the sedge and flowering meadows, to preserve this internationally important site.

Experience the thrill of seeing our grazing herds of konik ponies and highland cattle, as they roam freely in their natural family groups.  These wild animals are helping to create a diverse range of new habitats for wildlife and people on Adventurers’ Fen and the wider reserve. 

The Wicken Fen Vision is an ambitious landscape-scale project, at the forefront of nature conservation today.  It will open up new lands and routes to explore, as well as safeguard the rare wetland species of the Fen.  Birds such as bitterns, marsh harriers and cranes will benefit, as we establish larger areas of suitably managed land.  For more information visit http://www.wicken.org.uk/   or pick up a newsletter from the Visitor Centre.

Come for an hour – an easy stroll around the Boardwalk at any time of year, without needing your boots, followed by coffee or a bowl of homemade soup

Come for an afternoon – explore the longer walks, linger in the hides, and indulge in a spot of tea

Come for the day – a dawn ‘til dusk experience, fen atmosphere and skies, wildlife spotting, the chance to go further by bike or on the water