Discover the Wonderful Flowers of Wicken Fen

Can you identify meadowsweet, milk parsley, marsh valerian, devil's bit scabious or the stingless fen nettle? If not help is at hand.

The sedge fields and fen meadows of the National Trust's Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve, near Ely, are a haven for wildflowers with over 300 different plant species recorded since the 1980's.

To aid visitors understanding of Wicken's beautiful fen flora, Warden James Selby spent the winter months preparing information panels on various flowering plant species found on the ancient Sedge Fen. Each panel contains the common and scientific name of each plant, detailed descriptions of the foliage and flower together with interesting facts and anecdotes about the plant; for instance did you know that Roman soldiers placed leaves of the silverweed in their boots on long marches to prevent excessive sweating which could cause sore feet, or that the Pied Piper of Hamelin is said to have placed crushed leaves of the marsh valerian on his boots, which cats and rats find irresistible, to persuade the rats to follow him out of the city.

James and his colleagues regularly walk the Fen and are ready to mark species as they come into flower.

James said: "Many of our visitors are really interested in the plants found on the fen, particular as many are unique to our wetland environment. Hopefully the panels will enhance visitors understanding of the fantastic range of plant species here on the fen and will add to the overall enjoyment of their visit to Wicken Fen."

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Notes to Editors
1. Wicken Fen was purchased by the National Trust in 1899, the first Nature Reserve owned by the Trust. It is widely recorded as the most species rich nature reserve in the country with over 8100 recorded species.
2. Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve is open daily from 1000 - 1700 throughout the summer.
3. 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.
4. The National Trust is Europe's biggest conservation charity 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.