C1.1      Location
   C1.2      Ownership
   C1.3      Land tenure
   C1.4      Mineral and sporting rights

C1.1 Location

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Wicken Fen lies ten miles north-east of Cambridge, at
0 17'E , 52 18'N. It is almost in the centre of a triangle formed by Cambridge, Ely, and Newmarket (Fig. 17).

The grid references of individual points on the Fen can be established from the Fen map (Fig. 18); the centre of the property lies at National Grid Reference TL 555 700.

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The first pieces of land on the Fen were presented to the National Trust in 1899. Other gifts followed, culminating in the gift of 96 ha (238 acres) by G.H. Verrall in 1911. Further acquisitions gave the Trust over 206 ha (510 acres) on Wicken Fen, St. Edmund's Fen, and Adventurers' Fen by 1923. The total freehold ownership is now 605 acres.

Most of the donors had acquired portions of the Fen because of their entomological interest. A full acquistion map and a list of documents relating to the conveyancing of land can be found in the archives, File 310 - 'Draft Terrier'.

The National Trust holds the majority of the Fen in perpetuity for the nation. This land is inalienable (Fig. 19). Small parcels of land do not belong to the Trust (see map). Areas of farmland are let and, where appropriate, grazing licences are issued (see Section C1.3).

The boundaries of the property are generally well marked, being ditches or banks. The exact position of the northern boundary has now been established as a result of the waterproofing works carried out by Anglian Water (National Rivers Authority) in 1987-89.

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C1.3.1 Tenancies

Details of all tenancies are given in an Appendix. Agricultural lettings are shown in Fig. 20 (the Lode Lane area is enlarged in Fig. 20a):

WN/1: 2 acres, allotments in Lode Lane


Let on an allotment agreement to a member of the Fen staff. The buildings on the site have all been constructed by the tenant; no further buildings should be constructed. The site should be kept reasonably tidy and weed-free.

The current use as allotments should be continued, as the area provides a visual backdrop to the residential properties in Lode Lane and, in particular, the Fen Cottage.

WN/4: 26.6 acres, part of Burwell Farm


Land without buildings, let on a 99-year lease from 1956 at an annual rent of a peppercorn. The northern boundary is marked by a line of mature Black Poplar. 2.5 ha are sublet. There is a right of access along the concrete-surfaced Newnham Drove.

WN/7: 73.5 acres, part of Adventurers' Fen


Land without buildings, let on a full agricultural tenancy. Access can be gained from Harrison's Drove on the eastern boundary. The land acts as a buffer zone against inappropriate development adjacent to the S.S.S.I., generates income and is an investment asset.

WN/9: Pump station, Lode Lane


Underground, a sewage pumping station for the western end of Wicken village; let to Anglian Water. The lease is to be renewed in 1992.

Anglian Water should ensure that the pump is maintained regularly as the William Thorpe Building and Fen ditches lie below the level of the sewer.

WN/10 96 acres, part of Adventurers' Fen


The parts of the Charles Raven Reserve not managed as reed fields, let on an annual grazing licence. Access should be from Harrison's Drove.

The future of this land is under review as part of the development of a management plan for the Charles Raven Reserve (see Sections C5.2 and C6.1). It is in poor condition for grazing (see C4.4.7) and an early decision is needed.

C1.3.2 Licences and wayleaves

These are shown in Fig. 21

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Mineral rights are held by the National Trust throughout. Shooting rights are retained by the National Trust. Vermin control is exercised as deemed necessary by Fen staff and authorised personnel (see Section A2.10, A6.10).