Downham Common

Downs, Moorland in Cambridgeshire East Cambridgeshire

England

Downham Common

North Fen Drove, from the railway line
North Fen Drove, from the railway line Credit: Christopher Hilton

Downham Common is a picturesque nature reserve located in the county of Cambridgeshire, England. Covering an area of approximately 100 acres, it is a unique blend of downs and moorland landscapes, offering visitors a diverse range of flora and fauna.

The common is characterized by its gently rolling hills, which are covered in a mix of grasses, heather, and wildflowers. The open expanses provide a beautiful backdrop for leisurely walks and picnics, attracting both locals and tourists alike.

One of the key features of Downham Common is its rich biodiversity. The area is home to a variety of bird species, including skylarks and meadow pipits, as well as numerous butterflies and insects. Visitors may also spot small mammals such as rabbits and voles.

In addition to its natural beauty, Downham Common also holds historical significance. The remains of an Iron Age hillfort can be found on the site, serving as a reminder of the area's ancient past. The common has been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its unique ecological value.

Facilities at Downham Common include designated walking trails, benches, and information boards providing insight into the local wildlife and history. The common is easily accessible by foot or bicycle and offers ample parking for those arriving by car.

Overall, Downham Common is a peaceful and idyllic location, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature and explore the area's rich ecological and historical heritage.

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Downham Common Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.450463/0.24250943 or Grid Reference TL5285. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

North Fen Drove, from the railway line
North Fen Drove, from the railway line
Ditch in North Fen, from the railway
Ditch in North Fen, from the railway
Beild Drove and Wood Fen, from the railway
Beild Drove and Wood Fen, from the railway
North Fen, from the railway line North Fen Drove can just been seen running from the right of the picture towards the central distance.
North Fen, from the railway line
North Fen Drove can just been seen running from the right of the picture towards the central distance.
View towards Ypres House, from the railway The barns in the centre mark the location of Ypres House.  Black Bank Road runs past the house on the right.
View towards Ypres House, from the railway
The barns in the centre mark the location of Ypres House. Black Bank Road runs past the house on the right.
View from the railway, east of Second Drove The house on the extreme left is on Second Drove; that on the right lies on Black Bank Road.
View from the railway, east of Second Drove
The house on the extreme left is on Second Drove; that on the right lies on Black Bank Road.
Laurel Farm, Main Drove, from the railway
Laurel Farm, Main Drove, from the railway
Laurel Farm, Main Drove, from the railway
Laurel Farm, Main Drove, from the railway
Looking towards Main Drove from the railway Willow Farm is on the right, while Quaker Farm is hidden behind the trees to the left.
Looking towards Main Drove from the railway
Willow Farm is on the right, while Quaker Farm is hidden behind the trees to the left.
View across the fields to Main Drove, from the railway On the right lies Quaker Farm, with a public footpath leading across the fields towards it.
View across the fields to Main Drove, from the railway
On the right lies Quaker Farm, with a public footpath leading across the fields towards it.
Little Downham, St Leonard <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.druidic.org/camchurch/churches/ltdownham.htm" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.druidic.org/camchurch/churches/ltdownham.htm">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>
Little Downham, St Leonard
Hereward Way Hereward Way footpath near Little Downham, Cambridgeshire.
Hereward Way
Hereward Way footpath near Little Downham, Cambridgeshire.
Chinese Bridge The "Chinese Bridge" near Pymoor, Cambridgeshire.
Chinese Bridge
The "Chinese Bridge" near Pymoor, Cambridgeshire.
Jubilee Cottage, Pymore The operational base for Savage Haulage, one of the many hauliers in the district.
Jubilee Cottage, Pymore
The operational base for Savage Haulage, one of the many hauliers in the district.
Muddy track off Furlong Drove Because of drainage problems, and the heavy farm machinery used in the area, tracks in the Fens are often deeply rutted.
Muddy track off Furlong Drove
Because of drainage problems, and the heavy farm machinery used in the area, tracks in the Fens are often deeply rutted.
Llamas at Dunkirk, Pymore It is not that unusual to graze a llama with a flock of sheep - they are sociable animals and are a very good deterrent against predators. But the sight of three llamas in one field is unusual.
Llamas at Dunkirk, Pymore
It is not that unusual to graze a llama with a flock of sheep - they are sociable animals and are a very good deterrent against predators. But the sight of three llamas in one field is unusual.
Field irrigation equipment Heavy duty equipment for irrigating the fields. Seen at a farm on Main Drove, near Pymore.
Field irrigation equipment
Heavy duty equipment for irrigating the fields. Seen at a farm on Main Drove, near Pymore.
Level crossing on Main Drove On the Ely to Peterborough line.
Level crossing on Main Drove
On the Ely to Peterborough line.
Show me another place!

Downham Common is located at Grid Ref: TL5285 (Lat: 52.450463, Lng: 0.24250943)

Division: Isle of Ely

Administrative County: Cambridgeshire

District: East Cambridgeshire

Police Authority: Cambridgeshire

What 3 Words

///clutter.confining.wires. Near Littleport, Cambridgeshire

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Downham Common

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 52.450463,0.24250943
Bus Stop
Gravel Head Bridge
Naptan AtcoCode: 0500ELITD010
Naptan Bearing: S
Naptan BusStopType: CUS
Naptan CommonName: Gravel Head Bridge
Naptan Indicator: opp
Naptan Landmark: Gravel Head Bridge
Naptan NaptanCode: cmbdgwtj
Naptan ShortCommonName: Gravel Head Bridge
Naptan Street: Main Drove
Source: naptan_import
Lat/Long: 52.450462/0.2428232
Bus Stop
Stone Level Crossing
Naptan AtcoCode: 0500ELITD013
Naptan Bearing: SW
Naptan CommonName: Stone Level Crossing
Naptan Indicator: near
Naptan Landmark: Stone Level Crossing
Naptan NaptanCode: cmbdgwtw
Naptan ShortCommonName: Second Drove
Naptan Street: Second Drove
Naptan Verified: no
Source: naptan_import
Lat/Long: 52.4474545/0.2449367
Bus Stop
Gravel Head Bridge
Naptan AtcoCode: 0500ELITD015
Naptan Bearing: NE
Naptan CommonName: Gravel Head Bridge
Naptan Indicator: near
Naptan Landmark: Gravel Head Bridge
Naptan NaptanCode: cmbdjadg
Naptan ShortCommonName: Gravel Head Bridge
Naptan Street: Main Drove
Shelter: yes
Source: naptan_import;survey
Lat/Long: 52.4504996/0.2427368
Main Drove
Naptan AtcoCode: 0500ELITD027
Naptan Bearing: SE
Naptan BusStopType: CUS
Naptan CommonName: Main Drove
Naptan Crossing: Main Drove
Naptan Indicator: near
Naptan Landmark: Main Drove
Naptan NaptanCode: cmbgjmdw
Naptan ShortCommonName: Gravel Head Bridge
Naptan Street: Downham Common
Naptan Verified: no
Source: naptan_import
Lat/Long: 52.4501832/0.2428238
Main Drove
Naptan AtcoCode: 0500ELITD028
Naptan Bearing: NW
Naptan BusStopType: CUS
Naptan CommonName: Main Drove
Naptan Crossing: Main Drove
Naptan Indicator: opp
Naptan Landmark: Main Drove
Naptan NaptanCode: cmbgjmga
Naptan ShortCommonName: Gravel Head Bridge
Naptan Street: Downham Common
Naptan Verified: no
Source: naptan_import
Lat/Long: 52.4501307/0.2427475
Railway: level_crossing
Lat/Long: 52.4489004/0.2473311
Railway: level_crossing
Lat/Long: 52.4514601/0.2436349
Old Ref: CB6 91
Removed Amenity: post_box
Lat/Long: 52.4504494/0.2426882
Old Phone: +44 1353 699211
Removed Amenity: telephone
Lat/Long: 52.4504705/0.2427087
Laurel Farm
Landuse: farm
Note Retag: CS #48756035
Lat/Long: 52.4543886/0.2419849
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 52.4502255/0.2449782
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 52.4513746/0.2390357
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 52.4507207/0.2430483
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 52.451131/0.2411936
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 52.451319/0.2403366
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 52.4504102/0.2444364
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 52.4502802/0.245001
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 52.4513256/0.2364005
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 52.4509062/0.242249
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 52.4495102/0.2442808
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 52.4514203/0.2376571
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 52.4488858/0.2436465
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 52.4496181/0.2483189
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 52.4504289/0.2471172
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 52.4503128/0.2454435
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 52.4479802/0.2427587
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 52.4501412/0.2492335
Railway: level_crossing
Lat/Long: 52.4488793/0.2472932
Railway: level_crossing
Lat/Long: 52.4514236/0.2436118
Building: yes
Lat/Long: 52.4469137/0.2384419
Building: yes
Lat/Long: 52.4486139/0.2461989
Building: yes
Lat/Long: 52.4479339/0.2425618
Building: yes
Lat/Long: 52.4475807/0.2428407
Building: yes
Lat/Long: 52.4471688/0.2428515
Building: yes
Lat/Long: 52.4475807/0.2421219
Building: yes
Lat/Long: 52.4516806/0.23915
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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