description Wicken Fen Overview
Wicken Fen is a nature reserve in Cambridgeshire, England, and one of the oldest reserves managed by the National Trust, which acquired its first parcels there in 1899. The site preserves rare surviving fragments of undrained East Anglian fenland, a wetland ecosystem that once covered large areas of eastern England before agricultural drainage largely eliminated it. Wicken Fen supports diverse plant and animal species adapted to its alkaline fen, reedbed, and sedge habitats, and the National Trust continues to expand the reserve through a long-term landscape-scale conservation initiative.
help Wicken Fen FAQ
Where is the Wicken Fen nature reserve located?
Wicken Fen is a nature reserve located in Cambridgeshire, England. It preserves rare surviving fragments of undrained East Anglian fenland, an ecosystem that once covered the region.
Who manages Wicken Fen and how long have they owned it?
The site is managed by the National Trust, which acquired its first parcels of the land there in 1899. This makes it one of the oldest nature reserves in the Trust's portfolio.
What kind of wildlife can be found at Wicken Fen?
The wetland ecosystem is a biodiversity hotspot, home to over 9,000 recorded species of animals, plants, and fungi. It is particularly famous for its diverse insect life, including rare butterflies, dragonflies, and moths.
What is the Wicken Fen Vision project?
The Wicken Fen Vision is a 100-year National Trust project launched in 1999 to massively expand the reserve. The goal is to create a diverse landscape for wildlife and people by acquiring surrounding agricultural land and allowing it to re-wild.
explore Explore More
Reviews & Comments
Write a Review
Be the first to review
Share your thoughts with the community and help others make better decisions.
