News from the Fen
Between Christmas and New Year we welcomed the ITV Anglia camera's to
Wicken Fen. They were at the fen to shoot a piece on the Trust's Outdoor
Gym Challenge, a month long programme to help the nation shift some of those
extra pounds most of us put on over Christmas. My role was to demonstrate some
of the exercises such as power walking and tree press-up's - watching
myself on television that night the word 'lardy'came to mind, I had no
option but to take on the challenge.
In a little over two weeks I've already lost over 2 lbs and discovered new areas of the fen and Vision lands that I never knew existed. I would thoroughly recommend the programme to anyone who would like to lose a bit of weight or improve their fitness. Exercising in the great outdoors has got to be better than a stale sweaty gym. Details of the Outdoor Gym, videos and downloadable exercise programmes can be found here.
If the Outdoor Gym is a little too much then why not join Lois, our Community Officer and her team of volunteers on a Health Walk at the fen each Wednesday morning. The walks last approximately 1 hour and cover 3-4 miles and are a great way to get some gentle exercise and meet or make new friends. Meet in the carpark at 10am if you fancy tagging along.
We have recently produced a series of three downloadable maps detailing recommended routes for walkers, cyclists and horse riders around Wicken Fen and the wider Vision lands. The maps can be found at www.wicken.org.uk/maps.htm . There is also a form where you can give feedback on the maps, suggest new routes etc. You can also leave contact details if you would like to discuss the maps / routes with a member of the Wicken team.
Regrettably in mid January a picnic bench was stolen from alongside the cycleway across Burwell Fen. We have experienced a spate of thefts in recent months from around Reach Lode Bridge / Tubney Fen including eight gates, two picnic tables, a bench and even 800 metres of electric fencing. Items such as picnic tables and benches are often kindly donated by local National Trust Associations whose members work hard throughout the year fundraising to provide the equipment. It's a great shame that peoples opportunity to rest, relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of the countryside are spoilt by the actions of these thieves. If you witness anything suspicious please contact the Visitor Centre on 01353 720274 or contact the Police.on 0345 456 456 4
We are organising a free programme of guided walks and cycle rides over the weekend of 5-6 February to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Convention of Wetlands of International Importance, or Ramsar Agreement, as it's more commonly known. Wicken Fen was designated a Wetland of International Importance in 1995, one of 1905 sites covering an area of 186.5 Million hectares worldwide.
Our Learning Team is busy planning a wild half term for children down at the fen. Exciting activities include: Wild Wicket Trail (Mon 21 Feb 1030-1230 or 2- 4pm) -Imagine you are a child of the medieval fens, as described in the Wicket Chronicles. Explore the landscape, look for hidden Fen gold, and avoid the pitfalls of the old reed swamp; Wild Geocache Trail (Tues 22 Feb from 1030)-a day of extra clues and caches to our normal geocache trail; Wild Art (Wed 23 Feb 1030- 1230 or 2-4pm) -be inspired by, and use materials from nature to create some wild masterpieces; Wild Cycle Treasure Trail (Thursday 24 Feb, 1030am or 2pm) - bring your bike, and follow clues on your mobile to guide you to the treasure. All half term events cost £4.50 per child.
Hope to see you at the fen soon.