Barway Fen

Downs, Moorland in Cambridgeshire East Cambridgeshire

England

Barway Fen

IHP Cotes Farm, The Cotes, Soham, from the railway Credit: Christopher Hilton

Barway Fen is a vast and picturesque nature reserve located in the county of Cambridgeshire, England. Stretching across an expansive area, this fenland region offers a diverse and enchanting landscape that includes downs and moorland.

The fenland in Barway Fen is characterized by its rich and fertile soil, which supports a variety of plant species, including reeds, sedges, and grasses. The area is also home to an array of wildlife, such as water voles, otters, and numerous bird species, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers.

The downs in Barway Fen provide a contrasting landscape, with rolling hills covered in heather and gorse. These open spaces offer breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, making them a popular spot for hikers and nature lovers.

Moorland is another distinct feature of Barway Fen, with its wild and rugged terrain. This area is covered in heath and peat, creating a unique ecosystem that supports a variety of plants, including heather, cotton grass, and bilberry. Moorland in Barway Fen also serves as a habitat for several bird species, such as curlews and lapwings.

Visitors to Barway Fen can explore the reserve through a network of well-maintained trails, allowing them to experience the beauty and tranquility of this natural wonderland. Whether it's observing wildlife, enjoying breathtaking views, or simply immersing oneself in the peaceful ambiance, Barway Fen offers a captivating experience for all who venture into its diverse and captivating landscape.

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Barway Fen Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.355127/0.29653855 or Grid Reference TL5675. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

IHP Cotes Farm, The Cotes, Soham, from the railway

Christopher Hilton

House on The Cotes, Soham

Christopher Hilton

Westcote, Blockmoor Road, from the railway

Christopher Hilton

Road junction at Barway Level Crossing, from the railway

Tucked into the land between the roads is Soham Dog Park.

Christopher Hilton

Fields north of Barway Road, from the railway

In the foreground, Two Pole Drove runs parallel to the railway line. In the distance, traffic marks the line of the road from Soham to Ely.

Christopher Hilton

Woodland by the railway line, near Half Acre Lane

The curving track of Half Acre Lane on the map, following a contour line, marks out this little area of higher ground, in which a small wood grows on what would once have been an island.

Christopher Hilton

Fields and drain south of Stuntney, from the railway

The village of Stuntney lies on slightly higher ground that would once have been an island in the Fens (the "-ey" suffix is a giveaway, descending from the Anglo-Saxon "ea", island), and to the left the land can be seen rising out of the flatlands that were once marsh.

Christopher Hilton

Byway at Blockmoor Fen

This byway leads from Soham Cotes to the A142 Ely to Soham road.

Bob Jones

Bank of Soham Lode

Low-lying fenland near Soham.

Bob Jones

Soham Lode

Soham Lode is an artificial river, effectively a drainage ditch. The water in the river is considerably higher than the surrounding land, which is at sea-level.

Bob Jones