C7.1      Recreational use
     C7.2      Education
     C7.3      Interpretation

C7.1 Recreational Use

Introduction

As one of the few large sites in the area readily accessible to the public, Wicken Fen attracts a large number of visitors.

A survey in August 1981 (Street, 1982) revealed that visitors come to the Fen from all over the British Isles, but that most came from within 150 km. Many visitors came from Cambridge and its surroundings, and the London area. The Fen also attracted people on holiday, and some of these travelled up to 100 km to visit the Fen.

The survey also showed that only a minority of visitors came specifically to study some aspect of the natural history of the Fen; the majority came just to see a nature reserve, or a 'natural' fen, or to visit a place of local interest. Another survey was carried out in 1992 (Williams, unpubl.)

C7.1.1 Access

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The Fen may be approached from Lode Lane, which leads off the A1123 Stretham-Soham road. There is also access to Adventurers' Fen by an unclassified road leaving Burwell at NGR TL 5885 6805. On foot, the Fen can be reached from the A1123 along the bridleway (New Barn Lane, Breed Fen Drove) and thence on to Sedge Fen Drove, and by footpaths along the banks of Reach Lode from Upware and Monks' Lode from Wicken.

C7.1.2 Opening Times

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The Fen is open throughout the year from dawn to dusk, except for Christmas Day when, like most other Trust properties, it is closed.

C7.1.3 Visitor Numbers

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The number of people visiting the Fen has varied greatly over the years. Before 1980, a system of signing-in at the Keeper's House was maintained but it is believed that only 60% of visitors actually signed in, so figures are unreliable. At Easter 1980, a system of charging for admission was introduced, with a ticket machine at the entrance to the Fen and more regular manning of the William Thorpe Building, and numbers since that date have been more accurately recorded.

Visitor numbers are given in Appendix , and show that the introduction of a charging system appears to have had the effect of reducing and stabilising the numbers visiting the Fen. However, the Trust did not promote the Fen in its regional literature until 1984, when limited publicity was given; there has since been a substantial increase in numbers but it is hard to say whether this is due to publicity or increased environmental awareness, but it probably reflects both.

While the majority of visitors come individually or in family groups, there is a number of visits each year by groups, ranging from Natural History Societies to Womens' Institutes. Most of these are largely self-contained, while others make arrangements for introductory talks (see C7.1.6). Fen staff occasionally take out guided walks but this is exceptional. There are also school parties (see C7.2).

C7.1.4 Limits to numbers

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The ticket system of entry was introduced at least partly because of concern about damage to the Fen caused by excessive numbers of visitors. The Fen is particularly vulnerable in late winter and spring when high water tables and low vegetation cover on the paths can combine to cause the surface to break up and pools of mud and water to form. Sedge Fen Drove has suffered particularly badly in this way; all but a central strip is now cordoned off with string in the winter and spring, and notices at each end discourage use. As it is a public bridleway, it is not possible to close it completely. There is also concern about disturbance of breeding birds in the early summer.

Since 1987, the boardwalk (C6.2.8) has taken much of the load off the rest of the Fen; it is estimated that 70-80% of visitors hardly leave it. Away from the boardwalk, visitors are generally directed along one route (the Nature Trail - see C7.3.3), where temporary duckboards are used to bridge muddy spots. Vulnerable paths and droves in the centre of the Fen are closed with string at appropriate times. The Head Warden (in consultation with the Committee as appropriate) takes whatever measures are deemed necessary to limit damage and to promote recovery.

A minority of intrepid visitors visit Verrall's Fen, and St. Edmund's Fen is largely visited only by a few local people. The opening up of Adventurers' Fen would relieve pressure on the Sedge Fen, but this would create problems of control of access.

Damage has been much reduced by these measures, which effectively zone the usage of the Fen by visitors. However, the sealing of Spinney Bank and Howes Bank has made the northern side of the Fen much wetter throughout the year, and in wet periods visitors are effectively confined to the Boardwalk unless well-shod.

In the early 1980s, a threshold for visitor capacity was set at approximately 30 000 total annual admissions. This figure was passed in 1990. However, it is not at present felt necessary to set a further threshold on capacity, as the pressure seems to be well contained and the rapid growth in numbers witnessed in the late 1980s is unlikely to reoccur in the near future. In any case, recent analysis of visitor numbers suggests that annual figures are less relevant than peak numbers achieved at certain times of the year in posing a threat to the Fen.

Future trends in numbers of visitors to the Fen and the Fen Cottage should be monitored and staffing arrangements accordingly kept under review.

C7.1.5 Permits

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Visitors wishing to carry out biological or any other type of study on the Fen may do so subject to the issue of a permit. Applications are sent to the Secretary or, for zoological work, the Zoological Secretary, or, for botanical work, to the Botanical Secretary. The issue of a permit carries certain conditions designed to protect the Fen and its flora and fauna.
Permits are valid for up to one year; reissue is conditional on the receipt of a short report of activities carried out under the old permit.

C7.1.6 Charges

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Entry to the Fen is by ticket or permit only. Present (1992) charges are £2.50 for adults and œ1.25 for children. Trust members enter free. Entrance tickets are available from an automatic machine outside the William Thorpe Building, and the building is manned at busy times, particularly between 10 am and 5pm and at weekends. At other times notices direct visitors to the machine. The question of offering family tickets is being reviewed by the Committee.

When the William Thorpe Building is not manned, staff on the Fen ask visitors to produce their tickets, permits or National Trust membership cards. This is essential if the system of issuing tickets from a machine is to work.

Residents of Wicken village are allowed free access to the property, but are encouraged to make themselves known to the staff.

Group visits accompanied or otherwise aided by Fen staff over and beyond what can normally be expected of the normal admissions procedure will (from 1993) be asked to contribute a fee in addition to the normal entrance fee. For a trial period, groups requiring a routine 'guided visit' will be charged œ10 per staff member for 1-2 hours of their time, which is equivalent to the basic rate of charge for staff-assisted educational visits in the region.

Independent groups and individuals visiting for educational or scientific reasons may apply to the Secretary for a permit for a specific purpose and date; where such a permit is issued to the leader of the group, entrance will be free.

C7.1.7 Recruitment

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The recruitment of new National Trust members is funded jointly by the Public Affairs Budget and the Property Budget. Reception staff designated to undertake recruiting are on duty in the William Thorpe Building during the main visitor season; the level of staffing and the organisation of a rota are the responsibility of the Head Warden. The Public Affairs Department will assist the Head Warden in the selection of reception staff, and will organise training for both new and existing staff. Wardening staff should also be able to recruit new members as required.

Targets for total numbers recruited, direct debit and covenants are set annually by the Public Affairs Department.

A high level of recruitment, with a high percentage among these of direct debits, is desirable because the propoerty benefits from a special Recruitment Bonus related to every Member recruited at the Fen, for as long as they remain Members of the Trust. Members who pay by direct debit are less likely to resign than those paying by cash.

C7.1.8 Car Parking

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There is a gravel-surfaced car park, usable in all weathers, and capable of holding up to 80 cars and is suitable for coaches. It lies off Lode Lane between the Warden's House and the Keeper's House. No charge is made for the use of the car park but there is a collecting box at the exit on the Fen side. The car park is sufficient to meet demand on all but very exceptional days; there are no plans to enlarge it as its capacity undoubtedly helps to regulate the numbrs of visitors to the Fen at peak times.

C7.1.9 Facilities

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There is a purpose-built lavatory block beside the car park, constructed and maintained by East Cambridgeshire District Council (see Fig. 34a). At present, these are closed during December to March, inclusive. With increasing visitor numbers, it is desirable to keep them open throughout the year, especially as these are the only lavatories suitable for disabled visitors. There are also lavatories in the William Thorpe Building, which are mainly for staff use.

There are normally no refreshments available although on special open days, and for guided tours, tea is provided in the Ganges Hut (see below). It has been agreed (1992) to provide a drinks machine in the William Thorpe Building for year-round use. The provision of a serviced catering facility is not at present considered necessary, nor would it be cost-effective.

There are five picnic tables with benches on the grass between the car park and the Keeper's House. These are well- used. There are no formal restrictions on picnicing on the Fen, but it is not encouraged.

There is no National Trust shop on the property, but publications relating to Wicken Fen and postcards are sold in the William Thorpe Building. The Education Warden keeps small useful items that may be purchased by school parties.

As a deliberate policy, no litter bins are provided. Litter is generally not a problem; staff remove any they find.

C7.1.10 Facilities for disabled visitors

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The lavatory block by the car park includes a lavatory adapted for use by disabled visitors. The William Thorpe Building is also accessible to wheelchairs.

The boarded walkway (see C6.2.8) was provided principally for less ambulant visitors and for mothers with pushchairs. Its construction was financed by grants and by an appeal. In 1988 a hide off the walkway was opened west of the brickpits, and another overlooking the largest brickpit. Both these hides are designed to accommodate wheelchairs.

Two wheelchairs are available from the William Thorpe Building for use on the boardwalk.

C7.1.11 Events

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There are opportunities to hold specific events, to show the Fen staff at work carrying out traditional management tasks, to hold guided walks and to demonstrate crafts using fen products. At present, some guided walks are held and some visitors come to see the reed harvest. A programme of events may become a regular feature.

C7.1.12 Accommodation

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Accommodation for school and working parties, with two dormitory areas, a kitchen, showers and lavatories, is provided in the Ganges Hut (see C6.2.4 above and Fig. 34a), which is listed as one of the National Trust's Basecamps. Some further, rather limited, accommodation for volunteers, and which might possibly be let, is planned as part of the reorganisation of the William Thorpe Building/Workshops/Piggeries in 1992.

There are no facilities for camping or for caravans, and no obvious appropriate site. Occasionally teachers or supervisors accompanying school parties are allowed to place tents or caravans beside the Ganges Hut.

Part of the southern lode bank at the junction of Monks' Lode and Wicken Lode is rented to the Great Ouse Boating Association as a mooring and is well used during the summer for overnight stays (see Fig. 21).

C7.1.13 Dogs

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Unlike most nature reserves, Wicken Fen allows entry to dogs. It is expected, however, that dogs are kept under strict control, preferably on a leash, and are not allowed to foul the main visitor routes, the boardwalk and the Education area; notices are displayed to this effect. The Education area has been fenced and gated (1992) in order to reduce the use of the area by owners exercising their dogs. Some policy for the picnic area is needed.

Dogs must be controlled on Adventurers' Fen, where sheep have been worried.

These arrangements are to be kept under review.

C7.2.1 University Teaching and Research

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Wicken Fen has been a site for research on vegetation ecology since the beginnings of the science in Britain. The early studies of Yapp (1908) and of Godwin (1931 & 1941) and his students have a special place in the history of the development of British ecological studies. Interest waned somewhat in the late 1930s but has revived since about 1955. Many recent studies have been directed towards the solution of fen management problems, and include studies of the ecology and the foodplant of the Swallowtail butterfly in relation to its attempted reintroduction (see Part A5.3.4). Recently the history of the Fen and its management has been the subject of a doctoral thesis by Rowell (1983).

Until 1990, students from the Environmental Biology Course at the University of Cambridge visited the Fen for three days each year and carried out small projects, many of which have relevance to fen management. Copies of most of these projects, and of other research reports, published and unpublished, are kept in the Fen archives. Students from the University of Cambridge (Departments of Education, Geography, Plant Sciences and Zoology,and Homerton College) and from a number of other higher education establishments visit the Fen to see typical fen animal and plant communities and landscape, and to learn about its continued management.

A number of post-graduate students of Cambridge and other universities are engaged in research on the Fen, as are some members of the academic staff.


C7.2.2 Primary and Secondary Schools

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The value of the Fen for environmental education has become increasingly obvious, and the provision of facilities and the development of an education programme have proceeded accordingly. All visits by school parties are arranged in advance with the Education Warden. Preliminary visits by school staff are encouraged, and are insisted upon for first-time visitors.

Schoolchildren visit the Fen in increasing numbers. The vast majority of visiting school parties are from primary schools, but a few secondary schools also use the site and use by secondary schools is being actively promoted. Some may stay for several days, using the facilities of the Ganges Hut. The site is one where all groups like to carry out some field work. A range of activities for primary schools has been developed, including pond-dipping, identifying fen flowers, identifying soil, searching for litter animals and following the boardwalk trail. There is an increasing interest in studying the history of the area, and many primary groups now combine history and geography in their visit. Resources for all these activities have been developed by the Education Warden in consultation with a range of advisors. A teachers' resource book will be prepared and offered for sale.

In 1984, concern was expressed as to the wisdom of allowing uncontrolled pond-dipping in the ponds on the Fen (particularly in the Brickpits). Two ponds were dug in the field next to St Edmund's Fen, and the whole field developed as an education area (see Part A3.4). This area now provides:
a 10 m x 10 m pond of graduated depth, which is being planted to

demonstrate the stages of the hydrosere;
four pond-dipping ponds, each a long, narrow trench with boarded

work stations on each side that allow easy access to the

water, with suitable safety precautions; the three newest

ponds were constructed with a gift in memory of G.E.

Hutchinson, in 1992;
a ditch profile;
a litter field, with different mowing regimes and crossed by

mown access paths;
piles of cut litter.
The area was fenced and gated in 1992.

Part-time Education Officers have been employed at the Fen since 1983, either as part of the National Trust staff, or as Manpower Services Commission personnel. In 1988 a decision was taken to employ a full-time Education Warden, who could be deployed onto Fen work when necessary and when compatible with other duties. Since March 1989, a full-time Education Warden has been employed.

A charge is now made for school groups (£10 in 1992).

C7.3.1 Display material

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C7.3.1.1 William Thorpe Building

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The William Thorpe Building contains a display illustrating the history of the region and the background to the present management of the Fen. A survey (Street 1982) found that the display was seen by nearly 80% of visitors and that of these, virtually all found it both interesting and informative. A small number (about 14%) criticised the clarity of the exhibit. A new exhibit in the William Thorpe Building of the history of the Fen Cottage, its inhabitants and its restoration was completed in January 1992.

Updating, revision and redesign of the display are proposed for 1993-4. (See Sections A5.1, C6.2.3)

The Fen staff use the display panels on the outside of the building for notes on plants, birds and insects of current interest, and for notes on management being carried out. These notes are updated at least once each month. Use is also made of paintings and diagrams prepared by visiting school parties.

C7.3.1.2 The Fen Cottage

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See Section C6.1.4

C7.3.1.3 The Demonstration Garden

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The Demonstration Garden outside the William Thorpe Building was created in the 1970s to give visitors a chance to see fen plants clearly labelled with their common and scientific names before entering the Fen. It is to be regularly tended.

C7.3.2 Guidebooks and interpretative leaflets

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A souvenir guide, illustrated in colour, became available during 1986, price £1.50. This fills a gap noted in Street's survey, where the need for a more comprehensive guide was the second most commonly suggested additional feature.

A 'Trail Guide' to the Boardwalk Trail and Nature Trail (see below), prepared by the present Head Warden and printed on a durable, laminated material, is available for 70p.

Over the years a series of leaflets, 'Guides to Wicken Fen', has been produced by the Management Committee. Each leaflet covers one group of plants or animals. A list is given in an Appendix. The lists are available in the William Thorpe Building; most cost 10p. A new guide, The Birds of Wicken Fen (Bennett & Thorne, 1989) is available, price œ1.00.

The social history of the Fen is the subject of some of the most recent literature: Turf-digging at Wicken Fen researched and written by the present Deputy Head Warden and Education Warden, was published in 1990. A leaflet about the Fen Cottage is pending.

There is a growing corpus of information literature available to school parties and to teachers, prepared by the Education Warden ( see C7.2.2). A Resource Guide for Teachers is currently being prepared, as part of a series of NT education booklets.

The Trust house style should be adopted and Regional Enterprises and Public Affairs consulted before any material is offered for publication.

C7.3.3 Nature Trails

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Two way-marked trails with an accompanying guide (see above) have been available since 1988. They are marked with numbered or lettered posts and there has been some debate as to whether or not information boards should be installed at certain points. It has been agreed to provide more information at the site of the turf digging, the Godwin plots and the Godwin triangle. Some additional information may be supplied in the hides, but in general it has been agreed to keep signs on the Fen to a minimum and to improve interpretational literature and central displays.

A social history trail is in preparation.

C7.3.4 Wicken Fen Book

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During 1994, a book on the Fen and its management will be published by Harley Books of Colchester. Wicken Fen: the making of a Nature Reserve (ed. L.E. Friday) is intended to show the origins of the reserve as a remnant of fenland under traditional management and its evolution over the past century under the management of the National Trust.

The book will be sold at Wicken and in National Trust shops in the region.

C7.3.5 Promotion and advertising of the Fen

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The marketing strategy for Wicken Fen is led by Public Relations. The strategy is as follows:

1. To encourage items in the local and national press and on local radio and television to demonstrate the international nature conservation importance of the Fen, the work of the National Trust and the Education programme. All such opportunities and approaches from the media should be referred to the Land Agent in the first instance.

2. To produce a property promotional leaflet for distribution to local Tourist Information Centres, other Trust properties and other related non-NT properties in the vicinity.

3. To produce promotional literature for the Education programme for distribution to schools.

4. To supply the East Anglia Tourist Board and East Cambridgeshire District Council with information for free listings in their publications.

5. To take part in the Fens Tourism initiative. This aims to link 12 major tourist sites, of which Wicken Fen is one, to provide a composite picture of fenland history and culture, with the view mainly of promoting greater awareness among local people of their immediate area.

6. To continue the policy of not otherwise advertising in tourist publications and local newspapers.

The Fen is included in the Trust's book, Properties Open to the Public.

The opening of the Boardwalk and attendant publicity, together with a series of fine summers and an increased public awareness of "the environment" have led to substantial increases in visitor numbers (see C7.1.4). New tourist signs have been placed on the road at the entrance to Lode Lane; the possibility of putting signs at the Stretham and Fordham roundabouts has been considered but rejected for the time being.