Far Fen

Downs, Moorland in Cambridgeshire South Cambridgeshire

England

Far Fen

Ferryboat Inn seen across the River Great Ouse
Ferryboat Inn seen across the River Great Ouse Credit: Peter S

Far Fen is a picturesque area located in Cambridgeshire, England. Situated in the eastern part of the county, it is known for its sprawling downs and moorland landscapes. Covering a vast area of approximately 500 square kilometers, Far Fen offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance.

The downs in Far Fen are characterized by their gently rolling hills, covered in lush green grass and scattered with colorful wildflowers during the warmer months. The moorland, on the other hand, consists of vast expanses of marshy terrain, dotted with small ponds and surrounded by reed beds. This diverse range of habitats makes Far Fen a haven for a wide variety of flora and fauna.

The area is home to several rare and protected species, including the fen orchid and the fen raft spider. Birdwatchers flock to Far Fen to catch a glimpse of the elegant marsh harriers, bitterns, and curlews that inhabit the wetlands. The unique ecosystem of Far Fen has also made it an important site for conservation efforts, with various schemes in place to preserve and restore the natural habitats.

In addition to its natural wonders, Far Fen boasts a rich historical heritage. The nearby village of Far Fen has a charming medieval church, which dates back to the 12th century. The area is also renowned for its archaeological sites, with evidence of human habitation stretching back thousands of years. Excavations have uncovered ancient tools, pottery, and even burial mounds, providing valuable insights into the region's past.

Overall, Far Fen in Cambridgeshire offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature and explore the rich history that has shaped the area over centuries.

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Far Fen Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.299549/-0.027892265 or Grid Reference TL3468. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

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
Old flood gates at the end of Covell's Drain Well past being any use.
Old flood gates at the end of Covell's Drain
Well past being any use.
Path by the Great Ouse With high water levels in Ferry Lagoon to the left.
Path by the Great Ouse
With high water levels in Ferry Lagoon to the left.
Cattle north of Ferry Lagoon
Cattle north of Ferry Lagoon
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.
Cattle by the Great Ouse With a Cattle Egret in attendance, as is now unremarkable. Just three years ago it would have been quite a notable bird sighting.
Cattle by the Great Ouse
With a Cattle Egret in attendance, as is now unremarkable. Just three years ago it would have been quite a notable bird sighting.
River Great Ouse North of Fen Drayton lakes RSPB reserve.
River Great Ouse
North of Fen Drayton lakes RSPB reserve.
River Great Ouse North of Fen Drayton lakes RSPB reserve, looking towards Holywell village.
River Great Ouse
North of Fen Drayton lakes RSPB reserve, looking towards Holywell village.
Bridleway by the Great Ouse
Bridleway by the Great Ouse
Footbridge and Sluice Gate at Covell's Drain
Footbridge and Sluice Gate at Covell's Drain
River Great Ouse at Fen Drayton Lakes Nature Reserve:
River Great Ouse at Fen Drayton Lakes Nature Reserve:
Receding flood waters at Ferry Lagoon, Fen Drayton Lakes This area drains slowly after flooding, giving very good wet grassland habitat for species such as Black-tailed Godwit and Pintail that are displaced from the nearby Ouse Washes by the high water levels there.
Receding flood waters at Ferry Lagoon, Fen Drayton Lakes
This area drains slowly after flooding, giving very good wet grassland habitat for species such as Black-tailed Godwit and Pintail that are displaced from the nearby Ouse Washes by the high water levels there.
Holywell Ferry Road Path to the river from Fen Drayton Lakes car park.
Holywell Ferry Road
Path to the river from Fen Drayton Lakes car park.
Narrowboat on the Great Ouse
Narrowboat on the Great Ouse
Riverbank north of Ferry Lagoon With flood waters gradually receding.
Riverbank north of Ferry Lagoon
With flood waters gradually receding.
Ferry Mere, Fen Drayton Lakes
Ferry Mere, Fen Drayton Lakes
Show me another place!

Far Fen is located at Grid Ref: TL3468 (Lat: 52.299549, Lng: -0.027892265)

Administrative County: Cambridgeshire

District: South Cambridgeshire

Police Authority: Cambridgeshire

What 3 Words

///guidebook.icicles.develop. Near Swavesey, Cambridgeshire

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Far Fen

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 52.299549,-0.027892265
Barrier: stile
Lat/Long: 52.2987066/-0.0223672
Barrier: kissing_gate
Lat/Long: 52.3023966/-0.0246141
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 52.2969972/-0.0249845
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 52.2960795/-0.0247619
Information: board
Tourism: information
Lat/Long: 52.3025343/-0.0249858
Direction: both
Surface: asphalt
Traffic Calming: hump
Lat/Long: 52.3024658/-0.0248902
Direction: both
Surface: asphalt
Traffic Calming: hump
Lat/Long: 52.3016391/-0.0241058
Direction: both
Surface: asphalt
Traffic Calming: hump
Lat/Long: 52.3024985/-0.0253724
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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