Photo source: Dr Border at English Wikipedia, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Wicken Fen is a historic building in Cambridgeshire, cared for by the National Trust. Read about its history, plus how to visit and what's nearby.
About Wicken Fen
Wicken Fen sits in the Cambridgeshire fens near Ely.
In 1899, the National Trust purchased its first 2 acres and took on management of the reserve, marking the organisation's earliest venture into nature conservation.
It covers around 254 hectares of fen, reed bed, marsh and old farmland, criss-crossed by boardwalks and a droveway.
One of only four surviving wild fens in what was once the vast Great Fen Basin of East Anglia, the rest long since drained for arable land.
The National Trust still manages the reserve, with a visitor centre and nature trails open to the public.
Read more on WikipediaHistory of Wicken Fen
The reserve was established in 1899 when the National Trust purchased its first 2 acres from J.C. Moberley. Charles Rothschild, a banker and naturalist, donated additional land—parts of St Edmunds and Adventurers' Fens—in 1901. Rothschild was a significant figure in the British conservation movement. Today the site holds multiple protective designations, including Site of Special Scientific Interest status and recognition as a Ramsar wetland of international importance.
Worth knowing
Charles Rothschild, who donated additional land in 1901, was influential in advancing nature conservation in Britain.
Facilities
Plan your visit to Wicken Fen
Nearest station: Soham (2.2 miles)
Places to visit near Wicken Fen
Church of St Cyriac and St Julitta, Swaffham Prior
View Church of St Cyriac and St Julitta, Swaffham Prior on heritage mapDenny Abbey
View Denny Abbey on heritage mapIsleham Priory Church
View Isleham Priory Church on heritage mapAnglesey Abbey
View Anglesey Abbey on heritage mapHistoric places nearby
Within 5 miles of Wicken Fen there are 2 historic properties, including 2 churchs, across Churches Conservation Trust and English Heritage sites.
Within 10 miles of Wicken Fen there are 7 historic properties, including 3 churchs, 2 historic buildings and 2 historic houses, across English Heritage, Historic Houses and Churches Conservation Trust sites.
Within 20 miles of Wicken Fen there are 27 historic properties, including 11 historic buildings, 9 churchs and 5 historic houses, across National Trust, Churches Conservation Trust and English Heritage sites.
Facts
The National Trust's very first nature reserve, and one of only four wild fens left in East Anglia.
- Type
- historic building
- Location
- Cambridgeshire, England
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