For more than 100 years, Wicken Fen has been the source of valuable research data. Some of the most eminent naturalists in the world have studied the habitats of Wicken Fen and the species to be found here.

There are many research projects underway at any time. Some of them, like the bird ringing project - the longest-running project of its kind in the UK - require long-term recording of data, while others have specific aims like the re-introduction of threatened species.

A recently commissioned research project is looking at a comparative study of vegetation and ecohydrology across both Wicken Fen and the Great Fen. This project, which is running for three years, is being managed through Anglia Ruskin University ,who are employing the research project officer ,and is funded by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation. Updated reports from the project officer will appear at regular intervals.

A recently launched research project will 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, he project officer for the duration of the work, will post updates on the work at regular intervals.

As part of Wicken Fen's Centenary project, we are planning to make much of this research data available online.

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 (2007).

PHOTO: Dr Dave Aldridge studying bitterling in Wicken Lode