The Wonders of Wicken Fen on the World Wide Web

Six short videos commissioned by the National Trust will give internet users worldwide a unique insight into the iconic Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve and the Trust's Wicken Fen Vision, the largest nature conservation project being undertaken in lowland Britain.

The videos, each lasting 3 - 4 minutes can be accessed from the homepage of the Wicken Fen website www.wicken.org.uk Topics covered by the films include:-

Video 1 - Welcome to Wicken Fen
An introduction to Wicken Fen, the oldest nature reserve owned by the National Trust and a unique remnant of the Great Fen which once covered much of lowland East Anglia. The video contains a general overview the natural and social history of the Fen, the wealth of wildlife and leisure and educational activities available at Wicken Fen.

Video 2 - The Wicken Fen Vision
The Wicken Fen Vision, an ambitious and far sighted 100 year project by the National Trust to create 56 sq km landscape-scale nature reserve stretching from Wicken Fen to the outskirts of Cambridge.
The video explores the benefits for both wildlife and humans as the Trust seeks to create a green lung for Cambridgeshire and the East of England, one of the most rapidly developing regions in Britain. The video also explores some of the ecological benefits of the Wicken Fen Vision such as flood water and carbon storage.

Video 3 - How we look after the Fen
An insight into the historic and modern day management of Wicken Fen and the wider Vision lands.
Head Warden, Martin Lester describes how he and his team of full time wardens and volunteers manage the unique habitats of the Fen today.

Video 4 & 5 - The Konik ponies and Highland Cattle of Wicken Fen
Grazing Warden, Carol Laidlaw, gives viewers a unique and unrivalled in-sight into the herds of wild Konik ponies and Highland cattle introduced by the Trust as part of its extensive grazing programme. An opportunity to learn about the important role the animals contribute to habitat creation and management.

Video 6 - The Wildlife of Wicken Fen
An appreciation of the unique habitats of Wicken Fen and the Vision lands and the amazing 8000 recorded species they support on dry land and in the water.

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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.

2. Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve runs a full programme of recreational and educational events throughout the year. An Events brochure is available from the Wicken Fen Visitor Centre - Tel 01353 720274 or can be viewed on this web site.

3. Launched in 1999, the Wicken Fen Vision is a 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 Wicken Fen Vision is identified as regionally significant for the retention, provision and enhancement of green infrastructure within the Regional Spatial Strategy for the East of England. Published by the Government Office in May 2008, under Policy ENV1.

5. The Wicken Fen Vision is being developed by the National Trust in association with a number of strategic partners including, Cambridgeshire County Council, East Cambridgeshire District Council, South Cambridgeshire District Council, Cambridge City Council, Department for Communities and Local Government, East of England Development Agency, Cambridgeshire Horizons, Greater Cambridge Partnership, Environment Agency, Natural England, Sustrans, Esmee Fairbairn Foundation, The Tubney Charitable Trust and Heritage Lottery Fund.

6. 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.