Holme Fen National Nature Reserve            

 Holme Fen lies at the western edge of the East Anglian Fen Basin, 9km south of Peterborough.
  Because of the drainage of surrounding land, much of the 266 hectares reserve has become
  covered with birch woodland, but some of the original fen vegitation has survived with its characteristic
  plants and animals. The site is owned and managed by English Nature, and it open to the public
  along marked footpaths.

         The reserve is situated on the south-western shore of the
          former Whittlesey Mere. The mere was drained in 1851 after
          years of falling water levels, and within a short time had to be
          replaced by fields of wheat. A post was sunk into the ground
          to monitor the shrinkage of the land as it drained. Visit it
          now and see how much the land has lowered through shrinkage.
          The peat underfoot is loose and it vibrates as you walk or jump.

          Most of the woodland is being left to develop naturally. Rides are 
          mown regularly to maintain access and the glades are cut to 
          control the spread of bracken to encourage the less vigorous plants.

          In those dykes which still retain water the silt is cleaned out every
          10 years or so to maintain suitable conditions for aquatic plants
          and animals.  
  

     

            
       Above: Burnham's Mere

       Left: Looking along a dyke.       

       Below: Swan on the Mere 

         Visiting the meres offers an opportunity to feed
           the ducks and watch the many swans and water
           fowl feed and rest.

           See a diverse range of wildlife from dragonflies
           and squirrels to deer and pheasants.

           How to get there:
           Leave Yaxley on the Holme Road. Turn 1st left
           and cross railway. Park at designated stops
           where there are information boards and parking
           spaces.