Sedge (Cladium mariscus) has been harvested at Wicken since at least 1414. In 1996 we had a bumper harvest, and visitors will see piles of sedge spread about, waiting to be collected by the thatchers who use it for roofing.
The boardwalk is being given a thorough overhaul. This could take some time, and may even go on for a few years, depending on the level of decay found underneath. All dangerous timbers have been replaced, but we want to make sure that others are replaced before they become a danger. Look out for wardens at work on the boardwalk. Warning signs will be in place, and there may be a few short diversions.
These three fine words describe the maintenance of waterways. Brinking is the annual cutting of the vegetation on the brink of the ditches and lodes, traditionally done with a scythe, now usually by machine. Roding is the annual or sometimes biennial cutting of vegetation along the centre of the waterway - often done from a boat. Slubbing, or 'slubbing out', is the dredging of the bottom of a ditch, which is done on a 4, 8 or 12 year cycle. Some is done every year. You may see all of these occuring throughout this winter.
The autumn litter cut is complete by the middle of October. Some litter is raked up and piled up along the droves and field edges. Where it is possible though, it is then baled up and transported off the property by a local farmer who uses it for hay. The removal of the litter means that the typical fen litter plants will grow back more vigorously next year. It is also much easier than our previous technique of raking it all off and either burning it or piling it up. Have a look in the demonstration garden to see some litter plants close to. Part of the litter section in the garden has been cut to show the difference.
Please ask if you would like to find out more
Some of this years crop of about 7500 bundles of sedge are piled alongside Wicken Lode and along the lane ready to be transported out. They look like piles of grass. Wicken is Britain's largest single sedge producing site, and we supply thatchers from all over the country. You will also notice the neatly thatched reedstack nearby. Reed and sedge was used to thatch the boathouse.
Is closed for the Winter from 29 October.
We have a new electronic weather station inside the building. The read-out is on the display panels at the end of the display. Why not come in and see how fast the wind is blowing?
Britain's largest butterfly! Reintroduced here in 1993, first sighting last year was on 26.5. We do not have a second brood here, although we may do in the future. You have missed it this year... visit the Fen late June 1997!
We hope you enjoy your visit to the Wicken Fen Web Site - please tell us if you do... or if you don't!