Barlees Fen

Downs, Moorland in Cambridgeshire

England

Barlees Fen

Cropmark near Middle West Farm, west of Thorney: aerial 2021 (1) Cropmarks in two fields. Detail of the top one in <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6924412">TF2504 : Cropmark near Middle West Farm, west of Thorney: aerial 2021 (4)</a>, <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6924410">TF2504 : Cropmark near Middle West Farm, west of Thorney: aerial 2021 (3)</a> and <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6924398">TF2504 : Cropmark near Middle West Farm, west of Thorney: aerial 2021 (2)</a>
Cropmark near Middle West Farm, west of Thorney: aerial 2021 (1) Credit: Simon Tomson

Barlees Fen is a beautiful nature reserve located in Cambridgeshire, England. This serene area is characterized by its diverse landscapes, including downs and moorland, which attract nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers alike. Spanning approximately 200 acres, Barlees Fen offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city life.

The downs of Barlees Fen are undulating grasslands, dotted with small shrubs and wildflowers. These rolling hills provide breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, making it a popular spot for hikers and photographers. The moorland section of the reserve is a unique sight, with its wet and boggy terrain, covered in heather and gorse. This habitat supports a variety of rare plant species, creating a vibrant and colorful landscape.

The diverse range of flora and fauna found at Barlees Fen is truly remarkable. Visitors can spot a wide array of bird species, including the rare hen harrier and the elusive bittern. The reserve is also home to several butterfly species, such as the rare large copper and the beautiful purple hairstreak. In addition, the area is populated by various mammals, including deer and foxes.

Barlees Fen offers visitors the opportunity to explore its many walking trails, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the reserve. The knowledgeable and friendly staff provide guided tours, sharing interesting facts about the flora and fauna that inhabit the area.

Overall, Barlees Fen is a haven for nature enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of landscapes and a rich variety of wildlife. Whether you are seeking a peaceful stroll or a chance to observe rare species, this nature reserve is a must-visit destination in Cambridgeshire.

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Barlees Fen Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.607797/-0.13879607 or Grid Reference TF2602. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Cropmark on field SE of Eye: aerial 2021 Near Willow Hall.
Cropmark on field SE of Eye: aerial 2021
Near Willow Hall.
Stubble field near Toneham Farm
Stubble field near Toneham Farm
Drain, Thorney, Peterborough Looking west from the end of the Avenue
Drain, Thorney, Peterborough
Looking west from the end of the Avenue
Prior's Fen gravel pits Looking south-west over Prior's Fen gravel pits towards the brickworks at King's Dyke, Whittlesey.
Prior's Fen gravel pits
Looking south-west over Prior's Fen gravel pits towards the brickworks at King's Dyke, Whittlesey.
Thorney River meets B1040 From here southwards the Thorney River keeps company with the road to meet the Nene at Dog in a Doublet.
Thorney River meets B1040
From here southwards the Thorney River keeps company with the road to meet the Nene at Dog in a Doublet.
Hill Farm Looking north along the B1040 towards Thorney with Hill Farm in the distance.
Hill Farm
Looking north along the B1040 towards Thorney with Hill Farm in the distance.
Passing Traffic The busy A47 passes by the end of this narrow fen road.
Passing Traffic
The busy A47 passes by the end of this narrow fen road.
Odd Avenue It looks like the right hand trees in this avenue have had all the food.
Odd Avenue
It looks like the right hand trees in this avenue have had all the food.
Yellow Field The grass at this field margin has taken on the same colour as the crop.
Yellow Field
The grass at this field margin has taken on the same colour as the crop.
Just a Field Other than the odd track this square is just a field.
Just a Field
Other than the odd track this square is just a field.
Path to Eye This footpath leads to nearby Eye.
Path to Eye
This footpath leads to nearby Eye.
Middle West Farm Taken from the access road.
Middle West Farm
Taken from the access road.
A47 Trunk Road Taken at Middle East Farm, Thorney
A47 Trunk Road
Taken at Middle East Farm, Thorney
Lonely Disc Harrow Set of disc harrows at Middle West Farm
Lonely Disc Harrow
Set of disc harrows at Middle West Farm
Spinney At Chichells Hurst This was a difficult shot as the ground rises and it was into the low sun.
Spinney At Chichells Hurst
This was a difficult shot as the ground rises and it was into the low sun.
Pode Hole Gravel Pit Entrance Pode Hole is not a reference to the hole in the ground here, but named after Pode Hole Farm on this same spot, not to be confused with Pode Hole in Lincolnshire which is about 10 miles away.
Pode Hole Gravel Pit Entrance
Pode Hole is not a reference to the hole in the ground here, but named after Pode Hole Farm on this same spot, not to be confused with Pode Hole in Lincolnshire which is about 10 miles away.
Entrance to the Sand and Gravel pit near Thorney The pit was developed to supply the upgrade of the A1M in Cambridgeshire. It continues to supply on going building projects.
Entrance to the Sand and Gravel pit near Thorney
The pit was developed to supply the upgrade of the A1M in Cambridgeshire. It continues to supply on going building projects.
Show me another place!

Barlees Fen is located at Grid Ref: TF2602 (Lat: 52.607797, Lng: -0.13879607)

Division: Isle of Ely

Unitary Authority: Peterborough

Police Authority: Cambridgeshire

What 3 Words

///snowstorm.captive.rich. Near Thorney, Cambridgeshire

Nearby Locations

Barlees Fen

Related Wikis

Thorney Abbey

Thorney Abbey, now the Church of St Mary and St Botolph, was a medieval monastic house established on the island of Thorney in The Fens of Cambridgeshire...

Thorney, Cambridgeshire

Thorney is a village in the Peterborough unitary authority in the ceremonial county of Cambridgeshire, England. Located around eight miles (13 km) east...

Thorney railway station

Thorney railway station was a station in Thorney, Cambridgeshire on the Midland and Great Northern Joint Railway line between Peterborough and Wisbech...

Thorney Rural District

Thorney was a rural district in England from 1894 to 1974, situated to the east of Peterborough. It was created under the Local Government Act 1894, covering...

Have you been to Barlees Fen?

Leave your review of Barlees Fen below (or comments, questions and feedback).