Go Wild at Wicken Fen

Half term is a great opportunity for families to head for the great outdoors and explore the unique beauty and wildlife of Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve.

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 birdlife 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.

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Notes to Editors
1. Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve and Visitor Centre is open daily from 1000 - 1700.