Fen Drayton

Civil Parish in Cambridgeshire South Cambridgeshire

England

Fen Drayton

Holywell Church, Cambs Aptly named, there is indeed a holy well within the church grounds, which flows into the nearby Great Ouse. — Holywell Church, Cambs Credit: Alan Simkins

Fen Drayton is a civil parish located in the county of Cambridgeshire, England. Situated approximately 10 miles northwest of the vibrant city of Cambridge, Fen Drayton covers an area of about 7 square miles. The parish is mainly made up of fenland, characterized by flat, low-lying marshy areas that were historically drained for agricultural purposes.

The village of Fen Drayton itself is small, with a population of around 500 residents. It is nestled between the A14 road to the south and the River Great Ouse to the north, offering picturesque views of the waterways and surrounding countryside. The river plays a significant role in the area, providing opportunities for boating, fishing, and other recreational activities.

The parish is home to a variety of wildlife, thanks to the presence of the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) nature reserve, known as Fen Drayton Lakes. Covering over 500 acres, the reserve attracts birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts from far and wide. It is a haven for numerous bird species, including rare and endangered ones, and it also supports a diverse range of plant and animal life.

In terms of amenities, Fen Drayton has a primary school, a village hall, and a small number of local businesses. For additional amenities and services, residents often rely on nearby towns such as St Ives or Cambridge. The parish is well-connected by road, making it easily accessible to commuters and visitors alike.

Overall, Fen Drayton offers a tranquil setting, rich natural beauty, and a close-knit community for its residents to enjoy.

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Fen Drayton Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.299763/-0.038664 or Grid Reference TL3368. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Holywell Church, Cambs

Aptly named, there is indeed a holy well within the church grounds, which flows into the nearby Great Ouse.

Alan Simkins

The Ferry Boat Inn and Public House, Holywell

Reputed to be the oldest Inn/Pub in Cambridgeshire.

David Bartlett

Footpath

Alongside one of the gravel pits, there is a good network of public footpaths around Fen Drayton.

Hugh Venables

River Great Ouse

At the mouth of a small stream that passes through the Fen Drayton gravel pit complex.

Hugh Venables

Male Banded Demoiselle (Calopteryx splendens)

Alongside the River Great Ouse, slow flowing rivers with a large amount of aquatic vegetation along the bank are the normal habitat of the Banded Demoiselle, Calopteryx splendens.

Hugh Venables

Ditch through Fen Drayton gravel pits

Just as it joins the River Great Ouse. The water levels were quite high after recent rain.

Hugh Venables

Car park at Holywell ferry

There is no longer a ferry service here but there is a picturesque pub. Picture shows river Great Ouse.

Ian Simons

Working on a new bridge

The old railway bridge wasn't suitable for the guided busway so a new bridge is being built. It will also provide a new foot and cycle crossing point over the River Great Ouse. The guided busway will follow the line of this road.

Hugh Venables

Clearance work

In preparation for putting the guided busway and associated footpath and bridleway along this road.

Hugh Venables

Footpath along Great Ouse

River on one side, meadow on the other.

Hugh Venables

River Great Ouse

Showing some bare earth on the opposite bank, quite likely due to erosion caused by the many boats that use this stretch.

Hugh Venables

Reinforced footpath

This stretch was prone to flooding and being very muddy - last summer we had to go through a nettle bed and along a bank next to the gravel pit to get past this point - so a new all weather surface has been laid, greatly enhancing the ease of use of the path. There are plans, between the council and the RSPB to significantly increase the number of visitors to Fen Drayton gravel pits and other paths have been added or improved.

Hugh Venables

River bank

Set back from the river to create some washland to increase the capacity during high flows.

Hugh Venables

New signpost

Added by RSPB as part of taking over the area as a reserve. The river doesn't have a 200m kink in it but the bank does to create washland north of an offset bank to the east.

Hugh Venables