visit cambridgeshire fens

The Cambridgeshire Fens

The little that remains of the fenlands of East Anglia provides only a glimpse of what this desolate area of marshland was like for centuries. Since the age of the Romans, the fens were a remote and inaccessible region composed of tufts of solid ground rising above shallow water, reed-beds, pools and mires.

The rivers of the Welland, Witham, Glen, Nene, Cam, Great Ouse, and Little Ouse made of the fens a vast inland waterway navigable only in shallow-bottomed boats, the forerunners of today's punts.

The fens were rich in sea life; in 1125 the monk William of Malmesbury declared, " Here is such a quantity of fish as to cause astonishment in strangers while the natives laugh at their surprise ".

The most common fish in the fens were eels, which were not only caught and eaten but used as currency! Rents, debts, and tithes were often settled by payment in eels. In addition, the fens have always supported a vast variety of birdlife.

Fen dwellers harvested reeds, peat, and rushes for sale, and so essential were these natural materials to the economy of the area in medieval times that their harvest was carefully regulated by local landowners.

The Romans schemed to drain the fens, but they got no further than building the Car Dyke to keep the sea at bay.

After the departure of the Romans in the fifth century, the Anglo-Saxons founded a series of isolated monasteries on islands in the fens. Ely is one such island, and its name is a reminder of the area's rich sea life; Ely translates as "island of eels".

Crowland Abbey is a good example of an isolated Saxon monastery site. It was established by St Guthlac in the late 8th century, but even in the 13th century Mathew Paris could proclaim that Crowland was, "a place of horror and solitude".

The isolation of the fens proved an invaluable aid to Hereward the Wake in his revolt against the Normans. The native British rebel held out against the might of William the Conqueror by using the treacherous marshes as a barrier.

DRAINING THE FENS

Elizabeth I was interested in draining the fens to provide for agriculture, but it was left to the Duke of Bedford in the 17th century to take matters in hand.

In 1626 the Duke gathered support from a group of investors and called in Dutch engineer Cornelius Vermuyden to drain Hatfield Chase. Vermuyden devised a series of ditches ('cuts') and dykes that bit by bit reclaimed the rich peat soil beneath the waters.

The scheme was violently opposed by the natives of the fens, both because Vermuyden employed Dutch workers, and because of the changes the draining would have on their traditional hunting and fishing rights. They attacked the workmen, and it was only after an agreement was reached to compensate the fen-dwellers and employ English workers that the project could proceed.

Vermuyden devised a scheme to drain the Great Fen, in return for which he was promised 96,000 acres for himself. His work was undone in 1642 when the Parliamentary army broke his dykes in an effort to flood the land and stop a Royalist army from advancing. In 1649 Vermuyden went back to work, this time with the labour provided by Scottish and Dutch prisoners of war.

The Great Fen reclamation drained over 40,000 acres of land but had the unexpected consequence of causing the neighbouring farmland to sink. This happened when the peat topsoil dried out and settled. In some cases land sunk up to 20 feet below the level of the cuts.

Today the old fens survive in isolated pockets. One such is Wicken Fen , a protected environment that was the very first National Nature Reserve in England.

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Fascinating Fens

Enjoy and explore your fascinating fens.

Welcome to the Fascinating Fens…

The Fens are a beautiful area of land around the wash, and cover parts of the counties of Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Lincolnshire and Suffolk.  The Fens have a rich and varied history, stunning buildings, amazing flat fertile countryside and farmlands, rare wildlife, friendly people, ‘fentastic’ traditions, festivals and events, unique myths and legends.

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Fascinating Fens aims to bring people together to explore, share and discover more about The Fens through heritage, nature, creativity, wellbeing and accessibility…

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Exploring the Cambridgeshire Fens

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With spring on the way, now is the perfect time to explore the great outdoors, and the outdoors doesn’t get any greater than the Cambridgeshire Fens. Based just a stone’s throw away from Cambridge, the Fens are a great place to stretch your legs away from the hustle and bustle of the charming city.

The area stretches for approximately 200 square miles between Cambridge and Peterborough, providing countless walks, cycling routes, sights, and attractions.

Whether you’re looking to unwind on a business trip or take your Cambridge city break off the beaten track, a day exploring the Cambridgeshire Fens is a must when visiting the region. Read on to discover all that the Cambridgeshire Fens has to offer.

Take a walk on the wild side

The Cambridgeshire Fens provides an interesting landscape to explore. The marshland that makes up the Fens has a long history. While during the modern-day, its disappearing act has resulted in the area becoming the subject of extensive conservation efforts.

Thanks to the work of various organisations, including the Wildlife Trusts, fenland is being revived. Seeing this landscape for yourself is however a must.

There are a number of walking routes to explore, with the most recently opened Fen Edge Trail providing hikers with a grand tour of the most ancient fenland. Here The Guardian’s Patrick Barkham talks about his experience on the Fen Edge Trail:

“Usually a feature of valley bottoms, here the clay forms the hills. It’s the reason for Peterborough’s historic brickworks and a rich source of Jurassic fossils. The route skirts pretty woodland edges filled with bridal white blackthorn and bumblebees from Riddy Wood to Lady’s Wood, known for its spectacular carpet of bluebells in spring. I follow deer tracks in the clay as the chiffchaffs sing, admiring the purple-and-silver of Woodwalton Fen’s birch woodland in the distance.”

Step back in time

As well as exploring ancient marshland, a visit to the Fens delivers an interesting history lesson. Explore Stonea Camp’s Iron Age hill fort in March, which is the lowest hill fort in the country.

Alternatively, opt for a family-friendly trip to Flag Fen Archaeology Park in Whittlesey to discover how a Bronze Age village really operated.

Explore Fenland towns and villages

Break up your country walks by exploring the historic towns and villages of Fenland. The Cambridgeshire Fens is home to several charming towns and villages, with Whittlesey, Chatteris, and March among the best to explore.

The vibrant market town of Wisbech is said to be the capital of the Cambridgeshire Fens making it the perfect place for a day out. Bursting with Georgian architecture, Wisbech is elegant and historic. You can even see what life is like in one of these fine Georgian townhouses by visiting the National Trust’s Peckover House and Gardens .

The best way to see any of these Fenland destinations is by foot. You’ll find that many towns and villages in the Fens have their own dedicated trails to guide you through their most famous sights.

Watch Fenland life unfold

In addition to being home to lots of friendly Cambridge locals, the Fens is the best place to see some of the region’s other residents. The Cambridgeshire Fens is full of wildlife hotspots and nature reserves. Gault Wood, Holme Fen, Kings Dyke Nature Reserve, Nene Washes, Ouse Washes, and Welney Wetland Centre are some of the best places to experience and admire the Fens’ diverse wildlife.

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The Cambridgeshire Fens (Day Trip)

An outing to the wetlands and fens along the Great Ouse in Cambridgeshire, searching for birds and other wildlife.

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This Naturetrek Day Trip – led by popular tour leader Duncan McNiven – is split between the RSPB reserve at Fen Drayton Lakes and their nearby reserve at Ouse Fen. Fen Drayton Lakes stands at one end of a string of wetlands and fens that runs for 25 miles along the floodplain of the Great Ouse in Cambridgeshire. These former gravel pits have now matured into a wonderful variety of wildlife-rich habitats including open water, reedbeds, shallow margins, wet meadows and scrub.

In spring and early summer, breeding Great Crested Grebes will be in their breeding finery feeding their stripy-headed young, whilst Black-headed Gulls and Common Terns noisily dispute islands and floating rafts for the best nest sites. The wet meadows around the lagoons are home to displaying Lapwings and Redshanks and are grazed by cattle that may have attendant Cattle Egrets that are now resident here. As we explore the reserve we should keep our eyes open for uncommon passage migrants that are occasional visitors here such as Wood Sandpipers, Black Terns or Little Gulls. The fringing scrubby woodland will be alive with the songs of passerines. By May, the volume of noise created by up to 10 species of warbler can sometimes almost drown out the Nightingales and Turtle Doves which also breed here. Fen Drayton is also very rich in dragonflies and damselflies and as May proceeds into June, more and more species should be on the wing including Variable Damselfly, Hairy Dragonfly, Scarce Chaser, Black-tailed Skimmer and the rare Norfolk Hawker which has recently colonised the reserve.

By autumn, the birdsong becomes muted any many of the summer migrants will have already departed to be replaced by autumn migrants and arriving winter visitors. With the exception of the resident Cetti’s Warblers most of the warblers will have left for Africa to be replaced by arrivals from the north such as fieldfares, redwings and siskins. Out on the meres, wildfowl numbers will be building up as winter arrivals like Pochard, Teal, Wigeon and Shoveler join the resident Tufted Duck, Gadwall and Mallard whilst the shallow margins host migrating waders on their way south. Despite the shortening days, a few late dragonflies/damselflies like Migrant Hawkers, Brown Hawkers and Willow Emerald Damselflies should still be on the wing if the temperatures hold up.

Nearby, Ouse Fen is still being developed as a nature reserve, but will eventually form the largest reedbed in the UK. It is another fabulous reserve and already harbours Marsh Harriers, Bitterns and Bearded Tits. In spring, the reedbeds resonate with the songs of Reed Warblers, Sedge Warblers, Reed Buntings and Cuckoos, whilst Great Egrets stalk fish in secluded pools and overhead Hobbies hawk for dragonflies. As summer turns into autumn the reeds fall largely silent apart from the occasional squeal of a Water Rail but the Bitterns and Bearded Tits are all still present, with the latter sometimes affording astonishing point blank views as the reeds begin to thin. Wintering Hen Harriers often join the resident Marsh Harriers whilst some late Hobbies may linger over the wetland before they leave for Africa.

In total, we expect to walk around 5 or 6 miles during the course of the day, on mostly easy terrain, and will meet at 9am at the Fen Drayton Lakes car park.

• Explore the wetlands and fens along the Great Ouse in Cambridgeshire
• Marsh Harrier, Great Egret & Bearded Tit possible
• Dragonflies from spring to autumn 
• Look for Kingfisher, Cetti’s Warbler & migrant Hobbies
• Migrant waders, waterfowl & passerines
• Led by an expert Naturetrek naturalist

Day Trip Location

Both of the locations - Fen Drayton and Ouse Fen RSPB reserves - can be visited without a guide, of course. The difference that going with the tour leader Duncan makes is that he knows the best spots for individual species and can identify and talk about all of the wildlife that we encounter. A relaxed pace and some wonderful wildlife - Fen Drayton was buzzing with newly-emerged damselflies of several species - plus excellent weather and a friendly and expert leader made for a wonderful day. Naturetrek set the standard to which everyone else can aspire. Not just for the "content" of the tours, but for the conduct and approachability of all of the people who work for it, the administration of the holidays and their ethics. T.A. Buckinghamshire, Jun 21

A lovely day exploring 2 sites on the Cambridgeshire Fens with an excellent guide who helped us to identify a huge range of birds, especially warblers, by their song (with varied success, although I am sure we all ended the day much more able to discern the different songs than at the start!). The highlight had to be the 10 minutes we spent watching a battle between a heron and an eel; at one point the eel had wrapped itself around the heron's beak, but eventually he lost the battle and was swallowed head first. The tour was well organised with a very knowledgeable guide. S.M. Cambridgeshire, Apr 21

Just to say thank you for organising this trip.  Even though it is right on my doorstep I learned so much...a nightingale singing away amazing!  The tour leader was great and really knowledgeable.  With his information I went back to a location today and saw the glossy ibis. H.P. Cambridgeshire, May 21

It was a very good day. I treated it as a real holiday, despite the fens we visited being under 30 minutes drive from home. Lovely to be out with like-minded people and expert local guidance. S.T. Cambridgeshire

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3 Good Guide Websites to the Fens and its Future

Visit the Cambridgeshire Fens the official guide

The Great Fen Website, what to see and how to support the project

Fens For The Future an in depth website about Fenland restoration

There are many people moving out of the cities in search of fresh air and a reconnection to nature. The Fens in East Anglia, The Broads and the North Norfolk coastline are tranquil open spaces crammed packed with nature reserves and outdoor places to explore. Here are a selection websites dedicated to Fenland Area, Britains largest manmade landscape.

Find out what you can see, how to support or get involved in restoration projects to help preserve the future of a beautiful, raw, open countryside.

Visit Cambridgeshire Fens

www.visitcambridgeshirefens.org

The official guide to the fens has a large list of “things to do” focused on towns; March, Whittlesey, Wisbech, Chatteris and villages; Coldham, Elm, Friday Bridge, Gorefield.

Museums & Historic Houses

Included is a list of Fenland museums highlighting the West Norfolk Aviation Museum displays of aircraft, aviation archaeology and more from World War I to the Falklands and Iraq wars. Discover the ancient market town of Chatteris. Its museum has artifacts from the earliest prehistoric settlements to recent times with over 600,000 years of human history. Historic houses include Octavia Hills Birthplace and Peckover House in Wisbech.

Great Fen Website

www.greatfen.org.uk

The Great Fen is an expanse of nationally significant fen landscape between Peterborough and Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire boasting 2 nature reserves Holme & Woodwalton Fens. In 2010 5 organisations came together to form a big fens restoration plan and connect the reserves. There is a very informative guide to wildlife, each creature has its own page and how to identify it. The sites to visit are well documented with map showing trails & car parking. Why not get involved in supporting this great project by donating, volunteering or even taking part in the Big Wild Walk.

Fens For The Future

www.fensforthefuture.org.uk

This website has a colourful map with Historical Interest, Natural Heritage & Nature and Drainage history. It goes into detail about the environmental challenges the area is facing now and has in depth proposals for the enhanced ecological future of the area. Included is a list of conservation partner projects .

Explore the Fens on a Narrowboat

Fox Narrowboats are nestled in the centre of the Fenland areas. We are directly connected to the Fenland waterways. We offer Day Boat Hire and Narrowboat holidays for short breaks, a week or more from April to September. Go to our booking page or phone our friendly reception on 01354 652770

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Where to stay in Cambridgeshire & The Fens

Where to base yourself in cambridgeshire.

Cambridge is the obvious place to base yourself, especially if you’d like historical architecture, museums and eclectic places to eat on your doorstep. There’s a huge choice of places to stay, from some of the county’s finest hotels to simple rooms in the colleges of Cambridge University. Unknown to most, however, are the good value B&Bs, campsites and self-catering cottages on the city’s rural fringe. Here, you can enjoy the best of both worlds – the tranquillity of village life with the culture of Cambridge within cycling distance.

Huntingdonshire

Do a quick online search and you’ll find plenty of places to rest your head in St Neots, Huntingdon and St Ives but there are a few in these towns that truly marry with the Slow Travel philosophy. To take things more slowly, make your base in the surrounding villages and countryside instead. A B&B in Hemingford Grey would make an excellent option, as would the historic hotels in Buckden or the unique Warren Lodge in Kimbolton. If you’re bringing a tent, the National Trust campsite at Houghton Mill stands head and shoulders above the rest.

The Upper Nene Valley and Great North Road

While Peterborough has the biggest concentration of accommodation options in this area, we wouldn’t recommend the city as a good base for Slow travellers, especially when there are so many lovely options in the stone villages that pepper the Nene Valley. Options include riverside cottages, quirky cabins and grand coaching inns on the former Great North Road, all of which are well connected by cycle routes and the Nene Valley Railway.

Fenland and Great Fen

To make the most of the Fens, we recommend camping or glamping. That way, you can really soak up the huge horizons and fantastic fenland skies by watching the sunset sizzle in all its glory or staying up late to stargaze. There are several good campsites (my top recommendation being the Secret Garden Touring Park near Wisbech), while the options for Slow hotels and B&Bs are more limited.

Isle of Ely and Southern Fen Edge

The southern Fens have some of the county’s most exciting and unusual accommodation. If you’re looking for a Cambridgeshire town or city to base yourself in, Ely is the best option for Slow travellers. Full of culture, this tiny riverside city is home to the impressive Poets House hotel and has some characterful B&Bs. There are more good options in the fenland and fen-edge villages that surround Ely, from remote Stoker’s Cottage to eco-glamping near Littleport, ‘champing’ in St Cyriac’s church and wild camping at Wicken Fen.

The Southern Hills

For keen walkers, the rolling hills of southeast Cambridgeshire make a good base. Some of the best options are the tastefully furnished rooms at gastropubs in Woodditton, Bartlow and Balsham, many of which are dog friendly. Directly south of Cambridge, the villages of Duxford and Hinxton are best placed for the Imperial War Museum; for easy access to the National Trust estate of Wimpole Hall, the southwest villages of Melbourn, Bassingbourn and Bourn have several good options that include eco glamping, a luxurious treehouse and Sheene Mill hotel.

Accommodation in Cambridgeshire

Cambridgeshire has a full spectrum of accommodation options, from simple campsites and traditional B&Bs to trendy glamping options and a handful of luxury hotels. Below is a selection of those that stand out for their uniqueness, green credentials, great location or, in a few cases, convenience to local attractions.

The best self-catering in Cambridgeshire

The best b&bs in cambridgeshire, the best camping and glamping in cambridgeshire, the best hotels in cambridgeshire, transport in cambridgeshire, public transport.

As a Slow traveller, public transport should always trump driving. As well as cutting carbon, buses and trains allow you to gaze out of the window, soak up the scenery and mingle with the locals. A handy source for route planning is the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Transport Authority , which has a ‘journey planner’ tool for bus and rail travel.

Walking and cycling

It goes without saying that travelling under your own steam is the best way for Slow travellers to get about. As one of the flattest counties in England, you’ll have few hills to contend with, and those that exist give fantastic, far-reaching views. For extended journeys on foot, you could explore one of the many long-distance walking routes that trail through Cambridgeshire , like the riverside Ouse Valley Way, Nene Way or Fen Rivers Way.

Other long-distance routes that pass through the county include the Hereward Way, Three Shires Way and Icknield Way Trail, all of which are waymarked along their routes and highlighted on OS Explorer maps with a diamond symbol. More localised long-distance routes that stick within the Cambridgeshire borders include the 46-mile Pathfinder Long Distance Walk, and the 25-mile Fleam Dyke and Roman Road Walk.

For cyclists, there are several fantastic routes on the Sustrans National Cycle Network (NCN) as well as many lesser-known tracks around Cambridgeshire’s country lanes and wildlife reserves. Cycle-hire centres do exist in the country, although be aware that these are sparse in some areas, except in Cambridge itself (the UK’s unofficial ‘cycling capital’), where you can’t move for bike-hire and repair shops.

Having been shaped by water more than most counties, Cambridgeshire lends itself perfectly to boat travel and, if you’re feeling ambitious, you could plan a multi-day adventure along its network of waterways. The rivers Great Ouse, Cam and Nene are all navigable, as are several of their tributaries, the manmade New Bedford River and Old Bedford River, and some sections of the canal-like lodes in southeast Cambridgeshire.

It is a good idea to do some research on boat hire, visitor moorings and marinas if planning a big trip – any boat-hire centre will be able to provide this for you. For shorter trips, you can hire boats by the hour, join guided river trips or explore by punt, canoe or paddleboard. Just remember, if launching your own vessel you’ll need to get it licensed with the Canal & River Trust – the Cambridgeshire river authorities are notoriously vigilant.

@FenEdgeTrail

A journey across a landscape and time, guided walks.

We occasionally organise guided walks on the Trail, led by our volunteers. We hope to have a couple of these n 2024 – look out for details here and on our X (was Twitter) posts.

Join us for guided landscape heritage walks to discover the link between geology and local culture. All trips require booking. Places are limited on each trip. Everyone is welcome. Children (under 18) are welcome on all trips but must be accompanied by an adult. None of the walking is strenuous. Unfortunately, most walks are not wheelchair accessible – please check with us.

News May 2024: Four new Walk Guides published

The following four new walk guides can now be downloaded. either download each of them from their area page by following the links below or all of them from the walks page:, 4 stanground to yaxley via farcet, 8 wood walton to ramsey via upwood and bury, 15 st ives to swavesey via fen ditton and fen drayton, 20 milton to cambridge via chesterton, the following four will be published soon:, 3 peterborough to stanground, 28 burwell to wicken via upware, 31 fordham to isleham, 37 wilburton to stretham with add on to stretham old engine, others will follow later in 2024 including:, 6 holme to sawtry, 19 waterbeach to milton via horningsea, 29 wicken to soham, 38 stretham to ely via little thetford, find a fen edge trail walk.

See the Walks page for a list of all the Fen Edge Trail walks and download the Walk Guides that are already published.

January 2023: Walk published

Thorney ‘island’, ‘ an iconic fen island  –  monks, marshes and a model village ’.

Thorney, the  ‘Isle of Thorns’ , was a  fen island  surrounded by marshes until the drainage projects of the 17th century. It has been known since the 7th century for its major  Benedictine Abbey ; the large Abbey church remains impressive, even though much of it was lost in the 16th century. The  Victorian village  is of the characteristic local brick and is famous for being a  ‘model village’,  built in the 19th century under the Duke of Bedford’s ownership.Not far from the City of Peterborough, this easy walk takes you through an historic fenland village  and quiet countryside with plenty of wildlife, giving a taste of the  iconic landscape of the Fens .This walk is a good introduction to the geology of the northern part of the Cambridgeshire Fens, including silt from extensive tidal  marshes  and  ancient river beds  (roddons), the  River Terrace Gravels of the Nene  and the complex  ’March ’ Gravels . The latter created the island itself, raising it above the low fenland; these gravels also form the islands of Whittlesey, March and Chatteris.

The Fen Edge Trail walk around Thorney has been designed in partnership with  Thorney Museum and the Thorney Society. Thanks to Dot from Thorney Museum for her work on this walk.

News December 2022:

4 new walks published, download the walk guides from the walks page.

December 2022 saw the publication of 4 new Walk Guides including two with a difference: we have now expanded into the realms of podcasts and YouTube videos ! Thanks to Paul S, Jeff and Paul M, respectively, for their work in putting the first three walks together and to Paul M for the YouTube videos of his exploits when researching the route! The 4th walk is published in partnership with The Word Garden as part of their Adventurers project and has an accompanying downloadable podcast.

Sawtry to Wood Walton

‘ follow in the footsteps of the monks’.

The first of these four walks starts in Sawtry, named after salt , once a precious commodity made in the Fens. It passes the site of Sawtry Abbey and then visits the iconic (and once deserted) church of St Andrew’s situated on a lonely hill north of Wood Walton before finishing at the village green. The geology is nearly all Oxford Clay (including the hill!) except for a patch of Peat in Sawtry Fen that fills a bay formed by periglacial (freeze/thaw) effects during the last glaciation. The walk was developed in partnership with the Great Fen Heritage Group as it passes the south western corner of the Great Fen , a wildlife-rich area that includes Woodwalton Fen National Nature Reserve, It is the first walk on the western fen edge to be published.

Haddenham to Wilburton

‘on the isle of ely: from the high ridge, along the ancient causeway to the river’.

The second walk is the third to be published on the Isle of Ely , following on from the walks from Witcham to Mepal and then Sutton on to Haddenham. From the heady heights (38 m OD) of the centre of Haddenham, it takes you via Aldreth and the Old West River to Wilburton, crossing seven types of geology in total! This is a lovely area, full of history, and with views down from the high Kimmeridge Clay, Woburn Sands and Gault clay ridge that runs east to west along the south of the Isle of Ely. The walk follows the Aldreth Causeway as you descend onto Ampthill Clay and cross the Terrace Gravels of the Ouse ‘system’ as well as Peat and Alluvium near the river. It is in the area where the ‘New Life in the Old West’ project is running and we hope to work with them in the future to arrange joint walks.

Somersham to Earith

‘over river terraces on the edge of the marshes and along the famous old bedford drain’.

The third walk is the penultimate walk to be published of the 6 walks that link Ramsey with St Ives. Starting in Somersham , where the walk from Warboys finishes, it takes you via Colne and on to Earith , the start of the walk along the river valley to Needingworth. Only the final section, from Needingworth to St Ives remains to be published. After a pleasant walk through fields and along farm tracks to Colne, you pass through the Somersham to Earith fen edge which is now a land of flooded sand and gravel pits but was once the first dry land after travelling west from the Isle of Ely. It is an area that has seen significant (Pleistocene) geological research and there have also been important archaeology finds here. The bedrock here is Ampthill Clay (younger than the more famous Oxford Clay that outcrops to the north west) but it is mostly covered by Terrace Gravels and more recent Alluvium that, together, tell part of the complex local history of the Ouse ; once an extensive delta emptying into the Fen Basin and later its single channel transformed by fen drainage.

Earith: The Old Bedford and 100 Foot

In partnership with the word garden.

To accompany this walk, a  sound recording can be downloaded onto your phone so that you can listen to it as you walk. 

The fourth walk is a detour from the main Fen Edge Trail route: a (partly) circular walk focusing on a particular aspect of the landscape, accompanied by a podcast that describes the associated history. We have partnered with the Word Garden who have designed the route and produced the podcast as part of their ‘Adventurers’ project (run by Peter Daldorph and funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund ) about the drainage of the Fens in the 17th century . From Earith, you walk out along the banks of the New (the 100 Foot) and Old Bedford Rivers to see the southern end of the extensive Ouse Washes (the land that lies between them). This is an interesting area, just to the east of the Somersham to Earith walk and to the west of the Sutton and Haddenham walks on the Isle of Ely, with a fascinating geological and cultural history. As you walk, the Guide (and the downloadable podcast ) explain how the construction of these two major drains was accomplished, how they changed the landscape and how they still provide the main flood prevention scheme in the southern Fens.

Our partnership with The Word Garden

We were delighted to support the  Word Garden in their ‘Origins’ project which tells the story of the involvement of Scottish prisoners in the draining of the Fens. In the 17th century, many prisoners taken by Cromwell’s army at the Battle of Dunbar ended up as forced labour to dig the 100 foot (New Bedford) River from Earith to Denver. This fascinating project brings history, science, art, drama and communities together to bring to life a little know aspect of the fenland landscape’s past, Our Fen Edge Trail walk at Earith is a follow up to our support of the Origins project which included a book ( downloadable ), a celebration day in 2019 (including a live performance of ‘Dunure to Denver’ ) and a film of the story,

Explore the Landscape Heritage

Of the cambridgeshire fens, on a series of walks around the fen edge.

The Fen Edge Trail takes you from the Lincolnshire border in the northwest of the county to the Suffolk border in the southeast, roughly following the ‘edge’ of the Fens (including the islands) where the land rises to 5 metres above sea level (the 5 m contour) . We are gradually publishing a series of Walk Guides that take you on easy walks with an average distance of about 5 miles each, although some can be done in shorter sections or you can combine them to make a longer walk. The Walk Guides not only provide a map and directions but also describe the landscape, geology, history and wildlife along the route. Even if you do not wish to walk very far, you can read the Guides to find information on places of interest that can be visited in each area and the relevant webpage has links to organisations and sites that will help you discover more. The links between geology, ecology, history and present day life in the Fens reveal themselves and the more you look, the more you discover and the more fascinating it becomes!

Go to Walk Guides page

Landscape Heritage

The Cambridgeshire landscape  has a unique and fascinating history, from floods and glaciers to deep seas, tropical lagoons and even volcanoes! The  Fen Edge is where low-lying fenland meets the surrounding ‘highland’, roughly where the land lies 5 metres above current sea level. This is thought to be the approximate maximum extent of the once extensive wetland. Sea level has, however, changed greatly at various times and the amount of freshwater flooding, from rivers and meres, has changed even more frequently, often not only from season to season but from year to year. Although the draining of the Fens is well-known, the story of how and when this happened is far more complex than is generally thought. The Fen Edge, including the many fen islands, provided drier land that was often a refuge from the marshes and it is, therefore, here where much of the history of the fens can be discovered by looking at the clues that remain.

As well as a rich cultural history , the Fens also have a fascinating, and often dramatic, landscape heritage , which is far less well-known but that continues, even today, to affect the lives of its inhabitants. From volcanoes to ‘ice ages’, and salt marshes to raised bogs, from Jurassic sea ‘monsters ‘ to mammoths, and hippos to bog ‘oaks’, the complex story of how the fens were formed and what and who lived here, can be discovered by exploring the Fen Edge .

Landscape and Geology   The sea in the Fens!   The Fen Edge

Partnership

The Fen Edge Trail is an initiative set up by the Cambridgeshire Geological Society as part of our Geosites work. Our partners in developing the Trail are several local organisations who are each exploring their local landscape to contribute to the project. we have wrked with a number of other local organisations on various walks. These include Fenlandia, the Great Fen, the Great Fen Heritage Group , Huntingdon and Peterborough Local Groups of the   Wildlife Trust (Beds, Cambs and Northants), Warboys Archaeology Group , the Word Garden , the RSPB (Ouse Fen and Fen Drayton) , Chatteris Museum , Discover Ramsey, Burwell Museum, Thorney Heritage Museum , Holme History, the Isleham Society and Wicken Fen (National Trust) .

If you or your group would like to get involved in the Fen Edge Trail , please contact us. You may like to contribute information on local history, landscape, farming, wildlife or culture or you could help with designing one of the walks.

A ‘flyover’ of the geology of the Isle of Ely

For a fascinating ‘flyover’ of the geology of the Fens , see this virtual tour around the Isle of Ely (using GeoVisionary software) produced by Cranfield University for us. Read more about the Landscape and Geology of the Fens here . 

The Sea in the Fens – the salt marshes and tidal creeks (roddons)

As part of Celebrate the Fens Day 2020, we published a new webpage of information on how the sea has left its mark on the the Fens in the form of roddons – ghost-like patterns of fossilised water channels that appear in many fenland fields. We would welcome any photos you have of apparent roddons , especially if they can also be seen in aerial photographs (such as on Google Earth). More here

New s:  Holme Fen and Whittlesea Mere designated as a Local Geological Site

If you would like to get involved in the project or receive our emailed updates and news, please contact us..

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Visit Cambridgeshire’s unique historical site for a taste of the fenland -past and present

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The great fen, sedgwick museum, cambridge, wisbech & fenland museum  , burwell museum & windmill.

Stevens’ Windmill, Burwell

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Ramsey rural museum, explore our local museums, new book on whittlesea mere published, patrick barkham visits the fen edge trail, places to visit: the great fen, places to visit: wicken fen.

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The Cambridgeshire Fens

The Cambridgeshire Fens, a distinctive wetland region nestled in the heart of England, beckon visitors with their enchanting blend of natural beauty, agricultural productivity, and historical significance.

This expansive lowland area, characterized by its vast, flat landscapes, is a captivating destination shaped by centuries of human ingenuity and the forces of nature.

A Landscape Transformed

The story of the Cambridgeshire Fens is one of transformation. Once a wild and untamed marshland, the Fens have undergone extensive drainage and cultivation efforts over the centuries.

This ambitious reclamation project has turned them into one of the most fertile and productive agricultural regions in the United Kingdom.

Unique Wetland Ecosystems

Despite their altered state, the Fens remain a unique wetland ecosystem . The region is crisscrossed by a network of serene waterways, meandering rivers, and extensive reed beds.

These wetlands provide habitats for a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers.

Picturesque Villages

Scattered throughout the Cambridgeshire Fens are p icturesque villages that seem frozen in time. Charming cottages, ancient churches, and historic windmills dot the landscape, offering glimpses into the area’s rich history and rural heritage.

Waterway Exploration

The Cambridgeshire Fens are crisscrossed by a labyrinth of waterways, including the meandering River Great Ouse and its tributaries. These watercourses provide a tranquil backdrop for boating, kayaking, and leisurely walks along scenic riverbanks.

A Haven for Wildlife

Nature reserves and conservation areas within the Fens provide essential sanctuaries for wildlife. Birdwatchers can spot a variety of avian species, including swans, herons, and migratory birds .

The Fens are also home to rare and protected species, making it a crucial area for biodiversity conservation.

Historical Significance

Beyond its natural wonders, the Cambridgeshire Fens hold historical significance. The Fens were once the backdrop for the Fenland Riots of the 19th century, a social uprising sparked by agrarian grievances. Today, remnants of this history can still be explored in the region.

Agricultural Bounty

The agricultural productivity of the Fens is a testament to human determination and innovation. The fertile soil supports the cultivation of a wide range of crops, including potatoes, vegetables, and cereals.

The flat landscapes are crisscrossed by drainage channels and dykes, a testament to the ongoing effort to manage water levels in this unique environment.

An Enchanting Experience

Visiting the Cambridgeshire Fens is an enchanting experience that offers a glimpse into the harmonious coexistence of nature, history, and agriculture.

Whether you’re exploring quaint villages, observing wildlife, or simply soaking in the tranquility of the wetlands, the Fens provide a serene and immersive journey into a distinctive corner of England.

A visit to the Cambridgeshire Fens is an opportunity to reconnect with the essence of rural England and explore a land of captivating beauty and historical resonance.

Website – https://www.visitcambridgeshirefens.org

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• UK Wetlands
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About Chatteris

Market Day: Friday

Chatteris would have been a seaside town in Neolithic times, it perched on the edge of a vast tract of salt marshes.

Chatteris has been inhabited since the very earliest humans came to Britain. We have flint tools dating back 780,000 years. Our Museum also has some very rare bronze age weapons and a shield. Chatteris was an Island surrounded by salt marshes and fresh water channels which formed what we call the Fens in Neolithic times. The sea eventually encroached inland as far south as Denny Abbey, just north of Cambridge.

Today, this busy little town is 50 miles from the nearest beach!

St Huna, one of the earliest christian saints, set up a hermitage here on Honey Hill in 679 AD. The town we see today grew around the abbey of St Mary, one of only two Anglo Saxon abbeys in eastern Britain run entirely by nuns. A market place formed in front of the Abbey, which was founded in 980AD, and 'droves' evolved to connect the abbey to the other settlements in the Fens. A Chatteris man, a monk called Bricstan was released from prison by King Henry I's wife in the 12th century, after his chains were miraculously broken off by three saints in a 'vision'. The church of St Peter and St Paul was first recorded in 1162 but was rebuilt in 1352. Although there is little sign of the abbey remaining, Chatteris is still well connected and is an ideal base for touring the Fens and south Cambridgeshire. Chatteris is reputed to be the last refuge of Boudicca as she fled from the Romans in 61 AD.

Chatteris has a strong community spirit that is reflected in the organisation and support for local events with an annual festival held the last weekend in June with a walking parade thorough the town and is followed by events for all ages including the popular September Heritage Open weekends. On the 1st Saturday in December, the Christmas lights switch-on is one of the big events of the year and the quality of the display is the envy of many larger towns.

The Old Railway Line Footpath and Bridleway which runs from Chatteris to Somersham is an ideal way to access the countryside and is very popular, particularly with dog walkers. It now leads to a new pocket park with wild life areas for all the family to enjoy.

The Greenwich Meridian Trail which runs from Brighton to the Yorkshire coast, comes through Chatteris from Somersham on the old railway line public footpath and makes its way to March. Walkers are welcome to visit the Museum and Library on route where other walking routes are available. There is a Mini Guide and Town Trail, Chatteris Quirks and Curiosities Trail, A Stroll Around Hive End and The Millennium Trail which goes along the fen edge footpaths.

Chatteris regularly achieves honours for its wonderful displays of flowers and excellent community involvement in the Anglia in Bloom competition.

The Angling Trust has held many national events in the rivers and lakes around Chatteris, in particular the annual British Pike Championships. The town has many fine open spaces providing recreational areas and good play facilities. These include skate parks, multi-use games areas, and traditional play for all age groups. The 'parkour' is also available at Wenny Road Recreation Ground.

Chatteris Market is held every Friday in Park Street, offering locally grown tasty fruit and Vegetables, flowers and plants and locally sourced meats and fish. If you've got a few hours to spare come and experience the hustle and bustle of this busy little market town and discover the hidden treasures it has to offer.