Swaffham Poor's Fen

Downs, Moorland in Cambridgeshire East Cambridgeshire

England

Swaffham Poor's Fen

Straight lines in the Cambridgeshire Fens Looking north along White Droveway, near Swaffham Bulbeck, on a bright and blowy February morning. — Straight lines in the Cambridgeshire Fens Credit: John Sutton

Swaffham Poor's Fen is a vast expanse of low-lying land located in the county of Cambridgeshire, England. Situated near the town of Swaffham Prior, it is a significant natural feature known for its unique landscape and rich biodiversity. Covering an area of approximately 1,400 acres, the fen is characterized by its diverse mix of downs and moorland.

The fen is primarily composed of wet, marshy land with numerous reed beds and shallow water channels. It is home to a variety of plant species, including sedges, rushes, and various types of water lilies. These plants provide a vital habitat for a wide range of wildlife, particularly birds.

Swaffham Poor's Fen is renowned as a haven for birdwatchers, with over 100 different bird species recorded in the area. Visitors may catch sight of rare and elusive birds such as bitterns, marsh harriers, and bearded tits. The fen also attracts a variety of wading birds and waterfowl, including herons, ducks, and geese.

The fen is crisscrossed by a network of footpaths and boardwalks, allowing visitors to explore its natural beauty and observe the wildlife up close. It is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, photographers, and those seeking a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Swaffham Poor's Fen is a site of great ecological importance, providing a vital habitat for both resident and migratory bird species. Its diverse landscape and abundant wildlife make it a cherished natural treasure in the heart of Cambridgeshire.

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Swaffham Poor's Fen Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.254934/0.24625846 or Grid Reference TL5364. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Straight lines in the Cambridgeshire Fens

Looking north along White Droveway, near Swaffham Bulbeck, on a bright and blowy February morning.

John Sutton

Long Meadow: Haynes' Yard

Haynes' Yard is the base for a number of businesses, including the Cambridge Tours coach-hire company.

John Sutton

Lode: cricket on the Recreation Ground

Camden (Cambridge), here batting, reached 130 for 2 to beat Bottisham & Lode (129 all out) by eight wickets in a Cambridgeshire Cricket Association league match played on a fine May afternoon.

John Sutton

Lode: a bench on the boundary

A memorial bench in a corner of the Recreation Ground. The footpath from Longmeadow skirts the ground. Pantiled Rose Cottage is a Grade II listed timber-framed cottage built in the late eighteenth century.

John Sutton

Lode: before the match

Fassage Hall, completed in 2009, is a purpose-built community facility which caters for sporting, social and business events. TL5362 : Lode: cricket on the Recreation Ground was about to start on a sunny afternoon in early May.

John Sutton

View southwest off Whiteway Drove

Christopher Hilton

Horse paddocks by Lug Fen Droveway

Part of a large area of polo fields and horse paddocks.

Hugh Venables

Fishing on the farm reservoir

Hugh Venables

Frolic Farm

With an open top bus converted as a scoreboard.

Hugh Venables

Frolic Farm equestrian centre

Several polo fields in the area.

Hugh Venables

House at Frolic Farm

Hugh Venables

Lode Water Mill Gearing

Link

Sandy Gerrard

Lode Watermill

Link

Sandy Gerrard

Statue at Anglesey Abbey

Sandy Gerrard

Fishpond at Anglesey Abbey

Link

Sandy Gerrard

Lode Mill, Anglesey Abbey

The current mill dates back to the 18th century although there was probably a watermill on this site as early as the 11th century. The mill was primarily used for grinding corn but during a brief period at the beginning of the 20th century it was owned by the Bottisham Lode Cement and Brick Company and used to grind cement. In 1926, Anglesey Abbey was bought by Huttleston Broughton, later Lord Fairhaven. In 1934, he acquired the mill and began restoring it to its original corn-milling condition. The project was completed by 1936, after the removal of mining and cement-making equipment. In 1978, the Cambridgeshire Wind and Watermill Society restored the mill to full working order, and by 1982 it was once again milling corn.

Richard Rogerson

The Winter Garden, Anglesey Abbey gardens

A National Trust is an organization dedicated to preserving the cultural or environmental treasures of a particular geographic region. They generally operate as private non-profit organizations, although some receive considerable support from their national government. The first such organization was the National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty, which is the National Trust of England, Wales and Northern Ireland, formed in 1895 and operating as a charitable organisation. Extract from Wikipedia Link

List of National Trust places Link

David Smith