Wicken Vision
The Wicken Fen Vision marks its 10th anniversary in 2009, a good opportunity to
take stock of what has been achieved during the past decade. Land under
conservation management has more than doubled to 755 hectares with significant
progress being made to the re-creation of a mosaic of fenland habitats for
wildlife and people to enjoy. Public access to the countryside has been
significantly enhanced and the development of a spine route linking Waterbeach
and Anglesey Abbey to Wicken Fen is on course to be completed in the next year
or so. Wildlife highlights include return of Otter, Water Vole and
Bittern's one of the UK's most elusive wetland birds breeding at Wicken
Fen, the first time since the 1930's. Whilst much has been achieved it must
be remembered that the Vision is a long term project and is expected to take at
least another 90 years to implement in full.
The inaugural meeting of the Wicken Fen Vision User Forum was held in early December. The forum is an advisory group made up of representatives of User groups such as walkers, cyclists, horse riders, bird watcher's and anglers. The forum will look at plans and proposals from the User's perspective to help make sure that new facilities and infrastructure, such as way marked walks, bridges, gates, meets the needs and requirements of as many different users as possible. Subjects discussed at the first meeting included, the provision of additional gateways to Tubney Fen, the design for a new bird hide on Tubney Fen, the design and provision of mounting blocks for horse riders and access across Guinea Hall Farm. The Trust is keen to hear from the public and would welcome suggestions for items to be considered by the forum. Suggestions should be submitted to David Dench, Countryside and Community Manager at Wicken Fen - Tel 01353 720274 or e-mail david.dench@nationaltrust.org.uk
The wonder of Wicken Fen has recently been captured on six short video films which can be found on the Wicken Fen website www.wicken.org.uk The films cover topics such as the Wicken Fen Vision, management of the Fen, the extensive grazing project and the wildlife of Wicken Fen. The videos can be viewed by clicking the link on the Wicken Fen homepage.
The team at Wicken Fen are always available to give illustrated talks on Wicken Fen and the Vision. If you would like to arrange a speaker please call in or telephone the Visitor Centre 01353 720274.
It maybe cold but it's a great time to wrap-up warm and enjoy the wonderful walks and wildlife Wicken Fen can offer at this time of year. Don't forget to call in at the Visitor Centre for Trail Guides and reports on the latest wildlife sightings.