Autumn
is the perfect time to head to Wicken Fen for a day in the great
outdoors as the fen begins to glow with autumn colours.
Soon
the Mere and Baker's Fen will echo with the sight and sound of
hundreds of Wigeon, Teal, Shoveler and Tufted Duck who overwinter on
the reserve ... while a walk around Sedge Fen may be rewarded by the
sight of Hen Harriers coming in to roost.
Wicken
Fen offers a variety of walks and guided trails designed to cater for all
ages and ranges of mobility and provide great opportunities to see Wicken
Fen's amazing range of wildlife. Popular trials and walks include:-
Boardwalk
Trail - A¾ mile circular path through the ancient undrained Sedge
Fen, a unique remnant of the fen landscape which once covered much of East
Anglia. The raised boardwalk provides safe and easy access all year round
and is ideal for visitors using wheelchairs or pushchairs.
Nature
Trail - A 2¼ mile (1¼ hour) in-depth look at the ancient Sedge Fen,
a unique wilderness rich in wildlife.
Adventurer's
Trail - A 2¾ mile (minimum 1¾ hour) exploration of Adventurers' Fen,
a chance to view Wicken Fen's amazing bird life from hides overlooking
reedbed, marsh and open water.
Viridor
Credits Walk - A new 6 or 7 mile walk exploring the wider Vision lands
such as Baker's, Burwell Fen and Hurdle Hall. This walk is designed to
show land in various stages of transition back to traditional fenland
habitat.
Trail
guides for all walks are available from the Wicken Fen Visitor Centre.
Wicken
Fen is home to over 8,000 species of wildlife. A great way to view
Wicken Fen's wildlife is from the many hides on the ancient Sedge Fen, or
around the Mere and ponds. A great favourite is the Tower Hide which gives
an outstanding elevated 360º view of the reserve and wider vision lands.
Barn
owls, Kestrels and Hen Harriers are regularly seen foraging over Sedge and
Burwell Fen's, Kingfishers can often be seen searching for unwary fish
along Wicken and Monks Lode, whilst the Mere attracts a vast array of
native and visiting wildfowl including Grey Heron, Cormorant, Wigeon, Teal
and Shoveler. The lucky visitor may see Bittern, Otter, Water Vole and
family groups of Roe Deer on Burwell Fen, whilst Muntjac deer can often be
seen close to the Visitor Centre. Wicken Fen's herds of Highland cattle
and Konik ponies can regularly been seen grazing on Baker's Fen and Guinea
Hall.
The
Wicken Fen Visitor Centre houses an exhibition on the wildlife and
social history of the Fen and the knowledgeable Wardens and staff are
always available to answer visitor's questions, explain the walks or
update visitors on the latest wildlife sightings.
Wicken
Fen National Nature Reserve and Visitor Centre is open daily from 1000 -
1700.
For
further Information or to receive an events leaflet for 2009
activities at Wicken Fen please contact Wicken Fen Tel 01353
720274 or e-mail wickenfen@nationaltrust.org.uk