News from Wicken Fen
April is a great month to head to the fen - the arrival of the first cuckoos after their long migration from Southern Africa is eagerly awaited. Reed Warblers are busy building their intricate nests on the reed lined banks of Wicken Lode and the deep 'boom' of the bittern is carried on the breeze from its hideaway deep in the reedbeds of Adventurers' fen. Grass snakes emerge to soak up the warming spring sunshine whilst newts awake from their winter hibernation and return to ponds and wa-terways to breed. We are also expecting a number of Konik pony foals to be born in April; the best place to see them is on Bakers Fen and Guinea Hall
Construction is progressing on the Reach Lode crossing, a vital element of the public access route being created by the National Trust linking Wicken Fen to Anglesey Abbey and Bottisham. The new route is to be called the Lodes Way. The name selected by the Project Steering Group, which includes representatives of local communities and users to reflect the fact that the route crosses several historic waterways, or Lodes, as they are known locally.
We are delighted that Wicken Fen has been shortlisted as the Best Active Venue in the Rough Guides to Accessible Britain Awards. The awards reward the efforts made by attractions across the country to ensure that visitors with disabilities enjoy an inclusive, inspiring and accessible experience. The fen's all weather raised boardwalk and hides designed for easy wheelchair access were commended for enabling disabled visitors to explore the fen and its rich wildlife.
A new high tec version of hide and seek is being introduced to Wicken Fen this month using satellites circling 12,000 miles above the earth. Geocaching is a popular worldwide game dedicated to GPS (Global Positioning System) users. The game involves searching for caches which have been hidden at secret locations in the countryside. The co-ordinates of each cache can be found on www.geocaching.com Each cache contains a log book, as well as information on its location and a family-friendly activity to do. The caches are hidden near to public footpaths and are free to access at all times. If you don't have a GPS receiver, or would like to know more before going solo, Community Warden, Emma Shepherd, will be running taster sessions at Wicken Fen from Easter. Contact Emma or the Visitor Centre on 01353 720274 to find out more.
Easter falls at the beginning of April and we have a number of fun events planned for the holidays. The great Wicken Fen Easter Egg Hunt runs from 2nd -5th April from 10am-5pm each day. The trail costs £1.50 per child (normal admission applies) and there's a chocolate egg prize for all participants. If you come on Easter Sunday or Monday there's free face painting! So make a date to have an eggtastic family Easter at Wicken.
Other events during the Easter school holidays include everyone's favourite Pond Dipping on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6th 8th 13th and 15th ; make spells and hunt slimy boggles on Fairies, Pixies and Trolls, Wednesday 7th ; create a masterpiece from natural materials found on the fen on Springtime Art and Crafts, Friday 9th; delve into the history and discover life as a soldier of Hereward the Wake, and what it takes to be a Fen Tiger on Hideous Histories, Monday 12th ; hunt for clues to discover the amazing wildlife at Wicken Fen on Wildlife Detectives, Wednesday 14th ; or follow the treasure trail, hunt for 'sea monsters' and create some swashbuckling craft on Fen Pirate Fun, Friday 16th April.
Tickets for all events are available from the Visitor Centre on 01353 720274. Early booking is recommended as spaces are limited..