Action Packed Year Planned at Wicken Fen

Nature Walks, dragonfly safaris, photography workshops, sedge harvesting, printing with plants, minibeast hunting, boat rides, rush and willow weaving and everyone's favourite pond dipping are just some of the events and activities in what promises to be an action packed year for all the family to enjoy at Wicken Fen.

Highlights of this years events programme include:-

Dawn Chorus Boat Ride (3 May)
On international dawn chorus day, treat yourself to a peaceful drift along Wicken Lode in a traditional fen lighter whilst listening to the vast array of resident and migrant bird species found at Wicken Fen.

Konik Pony Walk - (9 May)
A chance to get close to the beautiful Konik Ponies of Wicken Fen with Grazing Warden, Carol Laidlaw. Learn how they help the Trust manage Wicken Fen and the wider Vision lands.

Food Glorious Food - (25 - 29 May)
Follow the Wicken Wild Food Trail to learn about wild food you never thought you could eat.

Dragonfly Safari Trails - (13 -14 June)
Be amazed at the aeronautical flying displays of the 21 species of dragon and damselflies that inhabit the waterways of Wicken Fen

Very Wet on Verrall's Fen - (4 July)
Explore an area of Wicken Fen not normally open to the public with conservation expert Dr Stuart Warrington. Experience the Fens as they were when Charles Darwin was out collecting beetles nearly 200 years ago.

Sedge Harvest Experience - (18-19 July)
Officially one of the worst jobs in history - try you're hand at sedge harvesting with the Wicken Fen wardens.

A Fenman's Day - (5 September)
Spend the day with local eel catcher and Fenman, Peter Carter. Set eel traps and experience some harmless wildfowling - including a rare opportunity to witness a punt gun in action.

Ghost Stories Boat Trip - 30 October
Be scared to the core by spooky Fenland tales as the mist and fog envelop you as you slowly drift down Wicken Lode in the dark.

Details of all events can be found in the Wicken Fen Events leaflet available from the Wicken Fen Visitor Centre on 01353 720274 or online at www.wicken.org.uk

Ends

Notes to Editors

1. Wicken Fen was purchased by the National Trust in 1899, the first Nature Reserve owned by the Trust.

2. This year Wicken Fen is celebrating it's 110th anniversary and the 10th anniversary of the Wicken Fen Vision, an ambitious 100 year project by the National Trust to create a 56 sq km 'green lung' for Cambridgeshire and the East of England and will involve the Trust acquiring approximately 5600 hectares of farmland which will be managed for nature conservation. The Trust aims to re-establish a mosaic of fenland habitats helping to protect many threatened and endangered species of wildlife whilst attracting new species to the area. The reserve will also significantly enhance public access to the countryside for leisure, recreation, exercise and education.

3. The National Trust is Europe's biggest conservation organisation and looks after special places across England, Wales and Northern Ireland for ever, for everyone. People and places are at the heart of everything it does. 3.5 million members, 50,000 volunteers, 500,000 school children, and millions of visitors, donors and supporters help the Trust look after its 300 historic houses and gardens, 700 miles of coastline and 250,000 hectares of open countryside. www.nationaltrust.org.uk.

Further Information
For further information please contact: Howard Cooper, Communications Officer, Wicken Fen Tel 01353 720274 Mobile 07826 874133 or e-mail howard.cooper@nationaltrust.org.uk