Blockmoor Fen

Downs, Moorland in Cambridgeshire East Cambridgeshire

England

Blockmoor Fen

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

Blockmoor Fen is a picturesque nature reserve located in the county of Cambridgeshire, England. Spanning over a vast area of downs and moorland, it offers visitors a unique and captivating experience of the natural beauty that the region has to offer.

The fen is characterized by its diverse ecosystem, consisting of wetlands, reed beds, and open grasslands. These habitats provide a sanctuary for a wide range of plant and animal species, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. Rare species such as water voles, otters, and various bird species including bitterns and marsh harriers can be spotted in this area.

The landscape of Blockmoor Fen is visually stunning, with rolling hills covered in vibrant purple heather during the summer months. The open expanses of moorland are dotted with gorse and bracken, adding to the picturesque scenery.

Visitors to Blockmoor Fen can enjoy a variety of activities such as walking, birdwatching, and photography. The reserve offers well-maintained footpaths and observation points, allowing visitors to explore and appreciate the natural wonders of the area. Educational activities and guided tours are also available, providing visitors with an opportunity to learn about the unique flora and fauna that thrive in this habitat.

Overall, Blockmoor Fen is a remarkable nature reserve that showcases the beauty and diversity of Cambridgeshire's landscape. Its tranquil surroundings and rich wildlife make it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and those seeking to connect with the natural world.

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Blockmoor Fen Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.35886/0.30432521 or Grid Reference TL5775. 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

Mill Farm, Soham

Northfield Windmill, also known as Townsend or The Shade Windmill, is situated at the north end of Soham. It was converted and moved to its present location in 1830 and is one of the smallest mills in Cambridgeshire. Originally it had four sails but for many years it was still working with only two sails. By 1964 the windmill had stood derelict for many years and in September of that year, one of the two remaining sails was blown off. In 1968 the remaining sail was removed. It has now been restored to its former glory, as a private project, by Mr Patrick Johnson and his family.

Bob Jones

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