Walk off the Christmas Excess at Wicken Fen

Need some fresh air to blow away the cobwebs, or some healthy exercise to shift those extra pounds gained over Christmas? - Then why not wrap up warm and explore the unique beauty of Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve over the Festive period.

To help shake of those New Year hangovers the National Trust are hosting a 'Walk of the Excess' guided walk around Wicken Fen and the wider vision lands on 1 January. Come rain or shine the knowledgeable Wicken staff will be able to point some of the amazing wildlife that makes its home at Wicken Fen during the winter months.

For those who don't wish to join an organised activity Wicken Fen offers a variety of walks and wildlife viewing opportunities designed to cater for all ages and ranges of mobility.

Popular trails 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.

Wicken Fen is home to an amazing array of wildlife particularly wildfowl during the winter months. 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. Some of the more interesting bird sightings recently reported at the Visitor Centre include Whooper Swan, Ross Goose, Scaup, Peregrine, Short-eared Owl, Stonechat, Chiffchaff and Tree Sparrow. Visitors to the reserve around dusk have regularly been rewarded with sightings of Barn Owls and Hen Harriers foraging over Sedge Fen close to the Visitor Centre.

The lucky visitor may see also see Roe and Muntjac Deer, Water Vole and even an Otter. Whilst Wicken Fen's herds of wild Highland cattle and Konik ponies can be seen grazing on Baker's and Guinea Hall Fen.

The Wicken Fen Nature Reserve, Visitor Centre and Café are open throughout the festive period (except Christmas Day) between 1000 - 1630. The 'Walk of the Excess' guided walk starts at 1030 on Thursday 1 January. Tickets cost £8 adult, £4 children, which includes a hearty bowl of homemade soup in the Wicken café after the walk. Tickets can be booked on 01353 720274.

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Notes to Editors
1. Wicken Fen hosts a comprehensive range of leisure and educational activities throughout the year. Full details can be found on this website. Alternatively a brochure can be requested by calling the Wicken Fen Visitor Centre on 01353 720274