Discover the Magic of Wicken Fen from the Water this Summer

Why not discover the magic of Wicken Fen this summer on a Standup Paddleboard?

The National Trust has teamed up with the locally based Fen Paddle Company to offer introductory Standup Paddleboarding sessions at Wicken Fen every Wednesday during the summer holidays.

Standup Paddleboarding is a new fun activity for all the family. Similar to a surfboard, after only a few minutes instruction on how to balance the board and paddle, beginners' will soon be gliding along the waterways enjoying the unique beauty of the fen whilst getting some healthy exercise.

"Drifting peacefully along Wicken Lode under your own steam is a fantastic experience" says Emma Shepherd, Wicken Fen Community Warden "It's amazing to see the colourful dragonfly's hawking up and down the Lode and the fish and aquatic plants in the crystal clear waters. It gives you a whole new perspective on the amazing wildlife of the Fen, you really feel at one with nature"

Amongst the first to try Standup Paddleboarding at Wicken were Marie Reeks and Morten Kleppo, aged 12 and 13, who were visiting Wicken Fen whilst on holiday from Hovet, near Stavanger, Norway. After a few initial wobbles the youngsters were soon boldly paddling down the Lode under the watchful eye of Roland Gurner of the Fen Paddle Company.

Enhancing public access to the countryside for leisure and recreation is one of the key objectives of the Wicken Fen Vision, a 100 year project by the National Trust to create a landscape scale nature reserve stretching from Wicken Fen to the outskirts of Cambridge. The opportunities for making greater use of the local waterways for access and leisure has been a constant theme arising from the Wicken Fen Vision public consultation held in 2008 and the recent public Drop-in meetings held in communities around the Vision lands in May of this year.

Chris Soans, Wicken Fen Property Manager said:

The joint venture between the Trust and the Fen Paddle Company is a good example of how local enterprise can benefit from the development of the Wicken Fen Vision both now and in the future. We are keen to work with local communities to enhance opportunities for local enterprise and employment".

Roland Gurner of the Fen Paddle Company said:

"I'm thrilled to be working with the National Trust to promote Standup Paddleboarding at Wicken Fen. I formed the company as I wanted everyone in my home region to experience the feeling of freedom, physical benefits and challenges of Standup Paddleboarding. It's a fantastic way to engage with the beauty of our local countryside, it doesn't damage the environment and it's a great reason to get off the sofa and outdoors into the fresh air".

Initially Standup Paddleboarding sessions are being run as a pilot venture during the summer holidays. The scope to offer sessions throughout the year will be evaluated at the end of the summer.

Standup Paddleboarding sessions are being held on Wednesdays during the school summer holidays from 1000 -1730. The Fen Paddle Company charge £15 for adults and £7.50 for children for hourly sessions which includes paddleboard, paddle, buoyancy aid hire and instruction. A minimum height requirement of 140cm is recommended, as anyone shorter may find it difficult to handle the paddle and could struggle physically with the paddling demands if the wind increases. Bookings can be made through the Wicken Fen Visitor Centre on 01353 720274.

Ends

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. 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.
3. For further information on Standup Paddleboarding or the Fen Paddle Company contact Roland Gurner Tel 07979 857857 www.fenpaddle.co.uk