Wicken Fen Vision
A 100-year plan to create a diverse landscape for wildlife and people
In 1899 the first two acres of Wicken Fen were purchased by the National Trust for £10. Since then, they’ve been looking after this special place which is home to more than 9,000 species of plants and animals. Less than 1% of original fen survives in East Anglia, of which Wicken Fen is a fragment. Having grown to 358 hectares, the nature reserve was too small and isolated to guarantee the survival of all its rare species, and under pressure from the increasing numbers of people seeking its peace and tranquility.
Wicken Fen needed an exciting and pioneering plan to take it into the next millennium. Launched in 1999, the Wicken Fen Vision is a 100-year plan to create a diverse landscape for wildlife and people over an area of 53 square kilometres; a historic landscape that will provide a space to breathe, think and explore for the modern world. After 20 years the need for the Vision is greater than ever before with demands on our environment continuing to increase.
Based on rewilding principles, the Wicken Fen Vision is committed to giving nature the space it needs. The progressive rewetting of land and restoration of natural processes such as wild grazing (Highland cattle and Konik ponies already roam free on the fen) will see the landscape continue evolving into a mosaic of habitats that support a burgeoning array of wildlife.
It will continue to expand and create a healthy natural and beautiful environment that is bigger, better and more connected for both wildlife and people.
(2) People: To provide a beautiful natural environment for the enjoyment,
learning and recreation of everyone.
(3) Learning: To learn continually from our experience and communicate our findings from a wide audience.
(4) Sustainable economy: To stimulate a diverse and thriving local economy focused on the natural environment.
• 446 hectares of land purchased; more than doubling the areas delivering high quality nature conservation plus improved access and recreation.
• 100+ Konik ponies grazing
• ‘Lodes Way’ opened linking to National Cycle Network
• 48km of public access created or improved
• Two bridges built
• ‘Back to basics’ campsite established
• Number of annual visitors doubled since 1999
In 1899 the first two acres of Wicken Fen were purchased by the National Trust for £10. Since then, they’ve been looking after this special place which is home to more than 9,000 species of plants and animals. Less than 1% of original fen survives in East Anglia, of which Wicken Fen is a fragment. Having grown to 358 hectares, the nature reserve was too small and isolated to guarantee the survival of all its rare species, and under pressure from the increasing numbers of people seeking its peace and tranquility.
Wicken Fen needed an exciting and pioneering plan to take it into the next millennium. Launched in 1999, the Wicken Fen Vision is a 100-year plan to create a diverse landscape for wildlife and people over an area of 53 square kilometres; a historic landscape that will provide a space to breathe, think and explore for the modern world. After 20 years the need for the Vision is greater than ever before with demands on our environment continuing to increase.
Based on rewilding principles, the Wicken Fen Vision is committed to giving nature the space it needs. The progressive rewetting of land and restoration of natural processes such as wild grazing (Highland cattle and Konik ponies already roam free on the fen) will see the landscape continue evolving into a mosaic of habitats that support a burgeoning array of wildlife.
It will continue to expand and create a healthy natural and beautiful environment that is bigger, better and more connected for both wildlife and people.
(2) People: To provide a beautiful natural environment for the enjoyment,
learning and recreation of everyone.
(3) Learning: To learn continually from our experience and communicate our findings from a wide audience.
(4) Sustainable economy: To stimulate a diverse and thriving local economy focused on the natural environment.
• 446 hectares of land purchased; more than doubling the areas delivering high quality nature conservation plus improved access and recreation.
• 100+ Konik ponies grazing
• ‘Lodes Way’ opened linking to National Cycle Network
• 48km of public access created or improved
• Two bridges built
• ‘Back to basics’ campsite established
• Number of annual visitors doubled since 1999