Burrow Moor

Downs, Moorland in Cambridgeshire Fenland

England

Burrow Moor

Field east of the Whitemoor Road level crossing Credit: Christopher Hilton

Burrow Moor is a picturesque area located in Cambridgeshire, England. Situated on the edge of the Fens, it is known for its expansive downs and moorland landscapes. Covering an area of approximately 500 acres, Burrow Moor offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance.

The moorland of Burrow Moor is characterized by its open, windswept terrain, dotted with patches of heather and grasses. This creates a stunning tapestry of colors, especially during the summer months when the heather blooms in vibrant shades of purple. In addition to its stunning flora, the moorland is also home to a variety of wildlife, including numerous bird species, small mammals, and reptiles.

The downs of Burrow Moor, on the other hand, offer a stark contrast to the moorland. These rolling hills are covered in lush grasses and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. The downs are crisscrossed by a network of footpaths, making it a popular destination for walkers and nature enthusiasts.

One of the notable features of Burrow Moor is its rich archaeological history. The area has been inhabited for thousands of years, and evidence of early human settlement can be found in the form of burial mounds and ancient trackways. In fact, the famous Flag Fen archaeological site is located just a short distance from Burrow Moor, adding to its historical significance.

Overall, Burrow Moor is a captivating destination for those seeking to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and rich history of Cambridgeshire. Whether it's exploring the moorland, admiring the views from the downs, or delving into the area's archaeological past, Burrow Moor offers something for everyone.

Show me another place!

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

Burrow Moor Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.543511/0.05260549 or Grid Reference TL3995. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Field east of the Whitemoor Road level crossing

Christopher Hilton

Farmland west of the Whitemoor Road level crossing, from the railway

Christopher Hilton

Railway to March across West Fen; Middle Road LC: aerial 2016

Chris

Nene (Old Course) west of March, Botany Bay: aerial 2016

One of the earliest mapped courses of the River Nene, from Peterborough to The Wash, was around Whittlesey Mere, through Benwick, March and Upwell, eventually joining The Well Stream at Outwell which flowed to the then coastal town of Wisbech. Over the centuries a straight channel was dug through the marshes north of Wisbech to the current outfall north of Sutton Bridge and the land on either side reclaimed. There are numerous visible sections of the old coastal banks on both sides of the River Nene north of Wisbech, see Link. One of the earliest attempts to improve the flow of water from Peterborough to the coast and reduce flooding in the Fens was made by Bishop Morton who had a straight channel dug in the late 15th century from Peterborough to Wisbech known as Morton’s Leam, see Link In the early 1700s a new and much larger straight channel was dug from Peterborough to Wisbech called Smith's Leam, parallel to and just north of Morton’s Leam, to improve the flow of water from Peterborough to the sea. Morton’s Leam from Guyhirn to Wisbech was incorporated into Smith’s Leam and the remainder of Morton’s Leam from Peterborough to Guyhirn became the main artery into and out of the Nene Washes which were created between Guyhirn and Peterborough. Smith’s Leam is now known as the River Nene and the original meandering river from Peterborough to Marmont Priory Lock in Upwell is now known as The River Nene (Old course), see Link.

Chris