About the event

With our partners in the Fens East Peat Partnership, we are celebrating World Peatlands Day with a range of events and activities for all ages.

At this event for adults, you'll join us at the Countryside Centre for refreshments as we present an overview of the Great Fen's vision and progress. Then, Catherine Weightman from Natural England will lead a fascinating walk at Woodwalton Fen National Nature Reserve introducing the importance of peat, the habitats that protect it and the wildlife that benefits from it. After the walk, we recommend heading back to the Countryside Centre classroom for more time to explore our exhibition and to enjoy a self-led walk around this lovely nature reserve too.

Peatlands are wetlands that store vast amounts of carbon and play a crucial role in regulating the Earth’s climate. They are also vital habitats for biodiversity, providing a home for unique plants and animals. This area was once 'wild fen', a landscape rich in wildlife, but has seen dramatic changes through an eventful history of drainage and farming. Learn which wildlife thrives in these rare habitats, why they need to be protected and how you can help.

On the day:

• 10am - Meet at the Countryside Centre for refreshments and Great Fen overview.
• 10.50am - Drive to Woodwalton Fen (1/2 mile)
• 11am-12.30pm - Guided walk around Woodwalton Fen.
• 12.30-3pm - Optional return to the Countryside Centre for a self-led walk.

Finding us:

For the morning presentation and optional self-led walk in the afternoon, we'll be at The Wildlife Trust Countryside Centre, Chapel Road, Ramsey Heights, PE26 2RS. The What3Words location is https://what3words.com/revision.basically.film. Please park in the main field car park. From the car park, head towards the Countryside Centre building where our team will meet you.

For the guided walk, find us at Woodwalton Fen NNR, Chapel Road, PE26 2RS. Please park at the far end of Chapel Road on the bank of the Great Raveley Drain and meet at the entrance bridge. The What3Words location for parking is https://what3words.com/represent.teaching.tradition.

The distance between both sites is half a mile, approximately a 12 minute walk.

The nearest train station is Huntingdon, 12 miles away.

The 31 Stagecoach bus stops on Ugg Mere Court Road but please be aware that this route is a loop and does not return along the same stops.

Photographs:

A photographer may be present at the event and taking pictures for Wildlife Trust BCN use so please let us know if you'd rather not be included. Children will have an adult asked to complete a media consent form.

Event Terms and Conditions

Membership:

Enjoy discounts on many Wildlife Trust BCN and Great Fen events by becoming a member today!

"Joining your local Trust is one of the most important things you can do to make sure the species and habitats we love will be there for future generations to enjoy." - David Attenborough, President Emeritus of the Wildlife Trusts.

https://www.wildlifebcn.org/become-member

Celebrating our fen peatlands - A Fens East Peat Partnership collaboration

A fortnight of events - see the full itinerary here.