Holywell Fen

Downs, Moorland in Huntingdonshire Huntingdonshire

England

Holywell Fen

Old Guide Stone by the A1123, Needingworth Road, Saint Ives parish Stone obelisk by the A1123, in parish of Saint Ives (Huntingdonshire District), Needingworth Road, St Ives Obelisk, junction with the B1086, opposite Manchester Arms, on grassed area.

Grade II listed.
List Entry Number: 1128706 <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1128706" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1128706">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>

Surveyed

Milestone Society National ID: HU_XSIV
Old Guide Stone by the A1123, Needingworth Road, Saint Ives parish Credit: Mark Brotherton

Holywell Fen is a nature reserve located in Huntingdonshire, England. It is situated in the Cambridgeshire Fens, an area renowned for its wetland habitats and diverse wildlife. The fen covers an extensive area of approximately 150 hectares and is composed of a combination of downs and moorland.

The fen is characterized by its wetland environment, with numerous shallow pools, marshy areas, and reed beds. It is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species, including rare and protected species. The diverse plant life consists of reeds, sedges, and grasses, providing a vital habitat for numerous bird species, amphibians, and insects.

Birdwatchers flock to Holywell Fen to observe the rich birdlife that thrives in the area. Species such as the bittern, marsh harrier, and bearded tit are known to breed here, making it an important site for bird conservation. The fen also attracts migratory birds during the winter months, providing a spectacle of bird activity.

Visitors to Holywell Fen can enjoy several walking trails that meander through the reserve, allowing them to explore and appreciate the natural beauty of the area. The fen is managed by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), who work to maintain and enhance the habitat for the benefit of the wildlife.

In summary, Holywell Fen in Huntingdonshire is a significant nature reserve characterized by its wetland environment, downs, and moorland. With its diverse plant and animal life, it provides a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike.

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Holywell Fen Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.318609/-0.046691586 or Grid Reference TL3370. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Old Guide Stone by the A1123, Needingworth Road, Saint Ives parish Stone obelisk by the A1123, in parish of Saint Ives (Huntingdonshire District), Needingworth Road, St Ives Obelisk, junction with the B1086, opposite Manchester Arms, on grassed area.

Grade II listed.
List Entry Number: 1128706 <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1128706" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1128706">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>

Surveyed

Milestone Society National ID: HU_XSIV
Old Guide Stone by the A1123, Needingworth Road, Saint Ives parish
Stone obelisk by the A1123, in parish of Saint Ives (Huntingdonshire District), Needingworth Road, St Ives Obelisk, junction with the B1086, opposite Manchester Arms, on grassed area. Grade II listed. List Entry Number: 1128706 LinkExternal link Surveyed Milestone Society National ID: HU_XSIV
Old water pump by the Great Ouse
Old water pump by the Great Ouse
St Ives Gravel Pits One of a set of pits on the edge of the town.
St Ives Gravel Pits
One of a set of pits on the edge of the town.
Ferryboat Inn seen across the River Great Ouse
Ferryboat Inn seen across the River Great Ouse
Island view, Drayton Lagoon It was apparent that there was less bird life on this lake than on nearby Ferry Lagoon, however a couple of swans were in view near the island.
Island view, Drayton Lagoon
It was apparent that there was less bird life on this lake than on nearby Ferry Lagoon, however a couple of swans were in view near the island.
Path to Drayton Lagoon
Path to Drayton Lagoon
Holywell, St John the Baptist
Holywell, St John the Baptist
Common Seal in the Great Ouse It is not unusual to see common seals in the river between here and Earith, with animals coming inland from the Wash, with some spending considerable time in the area, including giving birth.
Common Seal in the Great Ouse
It is not unusual to see common seals in the river between here and Earith, with animals coming inland from the Wash, with some spending considerable time in the area, including giving birth.
Sunday Mod Meet at St Ives Some of the scooters parked on Bridge Street, while their riders had a get together.
Sunday Mod Meet at St Ives
Some of the scooters parked on Bridge Street, while their riders had a get together.
Railway bridge remains at St Ives On the east bank of the Great Ouse are three pillars which supported the bridge that carried the Huntingdon & St Ives branch of the Great Northern & Great Eastern Joint Railway <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://geo.nls.uk/maps/gb1900/#zoom=16&lat=52.3221&lon=-0.0806&layer=0" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://geo.nls.uk/maps/gb1900/#zoom=16&lat=52.3221&lon=-0.0806&layer=0">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ely_and_St_Ives_Railway" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ely_and_St_Ives_Railway">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
Railway bridge remains at St Ives
On the east bank of the Great Ouse are three pillars which supported the bridge that carried the Huntingdon & St Ives branch of the Great Northern & Great Eastern Joint Railway LinkExternal link LinkExternal link
The Great Ouse at St Ives Looking north, upstream, towards The Old Mill on the left, which has now been converted to flats.
The Great Ouse at St Ives
Looking north, upstream, towards The Old Mill on the left, which has now been converted to flats.
St Ives and the River Great Ouse Looking north, just downstream from The Old Mill. The spire of the Free Church is on the right, and The Old Mill on the left.
St Ives and the River Great Ouse
Looking north, just downstream from The Old Mill. The spire of the Free Church is on the right, and The Old Mill on the left.
The Quay, St Ives With cafe, houses, Swan and ducks. A view from the river.
The Quay, St Ives
With cafe, houses, Swan and ducks. A view from the river.
Bridge over The Great Ouse at St Ives A Grade I listed structure <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1161421?section=official-list-entry," rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1161421?section=official-list-entry,">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> with the chapel of St Ledger in the middle - also a Grade I listed structure  <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1161567?section=official-list-entry" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1161567?section=official-list-entry">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>. Looking downstream.
Bridge over The Great Ouse at St Ives
A Grade I listed structure LinkExternal link with the chapel of St Ledger in the middle - also a Grade I listed structure LinkExternal link. Looking downstream.
Harrison Way [A1096] crosses the Great Ouse Approaching the bridge that carries a bypass for St Ives, which dates from the 1970s
Harrison Way [A1096] crosses the Great Ouse
Approaching the bridge that carries a bypass for St Ives, which dates from the 1970s
The River Great Ouse at St Ives Passing under Harrison Way [A1096].
The River Great Ouse at St Ives
Passing under Harrison Way [A1096].
Under Harrison Way, St Ives Passing under the A1096, as it crosses over  the River Great Ouse.
Under Harrison Way, St Ives
Passing under the A1096, as it crosses over the River Great Ouse.
Yellow Flags at St Ives Iris pseudacorus, on the east bank of the river, where the A1096 crosses the Great Ouse
Yellow Flags at St Ives
Iris pseudacorus, on the east bank of the river, where the A1096 crosses the Great Ouse
Show me another place!

Holywell Fen is located at Grid Ref: TL3370 (Lat: 52.318609, Lng: -0.046691586)

Administrative County: Cambridgeshire

District: Huntingdonshire

Police Authority: Cambridgeshire

What 3 Words

///from.airfields.skate. Near Needingworth, Cambridgeshire

Nearby Locations

Holywell Holywell Fen

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 52.318609,-0.046691586
Barrier: kissing_gate
Foot: designated
Lat/Long: 52.31517/-0.0469214
Barrier: kissing_gate
Foot: designated
Lat/Long: 52.3184512/-0.0406323
Barrier: kissing_gate
Foot: designated
Lat/Long: 52.3174782/-0.0421895
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 52.3221995/-0.0450369
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 52.3214832/-0.0412657
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 52.3217766/-0.0428589
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 52.3228668/-0.0460265
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 52.3159756/-0.0464617
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 52.3166676/-0.0513725
Power: transformer
Lat/Long: 52.3170153/-0.0522576
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 52.315864/-0.0451364
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 52.31627/-0.0503733
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 52.3161625/-0.0491007
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 52.3157623/-0.0438489
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 52.3156575/-0.0425132
Board Type: nature
Information: board
Tourism: information
Lat/Long: 52.3144637/-0.0462951
Natural: spring
Lat/Long: 52.3189271/-0.0405304
Parking Space
Lat/Long: 52.3188738/-0.0402309
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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