Wicken Fen

Wicken Fen is a significant remnant of undisturbed marshland located in East Cambridgeshire, England. It is situated within the larger region known as the Fens, which is an extensive area of reclaimed marshland in eastern England.12

The Fens themselves cover approximately 15,500 square miles and were historically characterized by marshland and peat bogs. Much of this area has been drained and cultivated, transforming it into one of England's most productive agricultural regions.2

Wicken Fen, however, remains a rare example of what the original fenland was like before extensive drainage efforts began in the 17th century. This 1,880-acre sanctuary is notable for its waterlogged surface, which rises above the surrounding cultivated lands, and serves as a vital habitat for rare insects, birds, and plants.21