Visitors to the National Trust's Wicken Fen Nature Reserve will have the opportunity to discover the wildlife and history of the fens on a Fen Life Cycle Tour.

To mark the recent opening of its Cycle Hire operation, Wicken's Wardens are organising a series of cycle tours this summer. The route will pass the new wind pump on Sedge Fen, search for Konik ponies and highland cattle on Adventurer's Fen before heading to Burwell to discover the history of Burwell Castle, Pauline's Swamp and St. Mary's Church. There will be plenty of opportunities for wildlife watching and stops at local cafes and pubs on the return journey.

The Fen Life Cycle Tours are being held on Friday 26 August and Friday 2 September at 11.30. Tickets cost £14 adults, £10 children, which includes all day bike hire, helmet, bike lock and route map. Discounts of 20% are available for parties of 10 or more. Further information available from the Wicken Fen Visitor Centre on 01353 720274.

Ends

Notes to Editors

1. The introduction of cycle at Wicken Fen has been supported financially by the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE). The RDPE is funded by Defra and the EU's European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EARFD): Europe investing in rural areas. http://www.ec.europa.eu/agriculture/rurdev/index_en.htm 

2. Cycle Hire rates - effective from 1 August 2011

3.Wicken Fen organises an exciting range of activities and events throughout the year. Details can are available at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wickenfen

4.Wicken Fen Nature Reserve and Visitor Centre is open daily (except Christmas Day) from 10am-5pm. Entry is free to National Trust members and under 5's. Adults £5.99, children £2.99, family ticket £14.99 (two adults and up to 3 children). The reserve is located of the A1123 near the village of Wicken. 9 miles south of Ely &17 miles north-east of Cambridge via the A10. The postcode for SatNavs users is CB7 5XP

5.The National Trust is a charity with a love for preserving historic places and spaces across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. In short, we're a conservation charity that protects over 350 historic houses, 160 gardens, 1,100 kilometres of coastline, 254,000 hectares of land of outstanding natural beauty, 6 World Heritage Sites, 28 castles and 60 pubs - and opens them for people like you to enjoy. Find out more at: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk 

Further Information

To find out more please contact: Howard Cooper, Communications Officer, National Trust Wicken Fen - Tel 01353 720274 Mobile 07826 874133 or e-mail: howard.cooper@nationaltrust.org.uk