For more than 100 years, Wicken Fen has been the source of valuable research data. Some of the most eminent naturalists and scientists in the world have studied the habitats of Wicken Fen and the species to be found here, such as Sir Arthur Tansley, Sir Harry Godwin and Dr Max Walters.

There are many research projects underway at any time. Some of them, like the Wicken bird ringing project - the longest-running project of its kind in the UK, require long-term recording of data. Other studies have specific short-term aims like the re-introduction of threatened species or improved understanding of fen soils, water chemistry and restored habitats.

A recently launched research project is underway to monitor and evaluate the vegetation and hydrology at both Wicken Fen and the Great Fen. This three-year project is funded by the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation and based at Anglia Ruskin University under the supervision of Dr. Francine Hughes. Pete Stroh, the project officer for the duration of the work, will post updates on the work at regular intervals. See his recent reports on ditch flora and seedling emergence.

There is a range of other research underway on the Wicken Fen Vision, on topics such as soil carbon, beetle communities, water chemistry, land use, bird populations, and aquatic insects including dragonflies.

See the summaries of the research on hydrology and soil carbon in the Wicken Fen Vision area.

Many hundreds of scientific articles, reports and papers have been published about Wicken Fen and the vicinity. Dr Terry Rowell produced a bibliography of those published up to 1985. This has been updated subsequently by Adrian Colston, Stuart Warrington and Laurie Friday (2008).

PHOTO: Dr Dave Aldridge studying bitterling in Wicken Lode