Wicken

Wicken is a village and civil parish in Cambridgeshire, England. The parish lies in the fenland area and is best known for its proximity to Wicken Fen, a national nature reserve located to the south of the village.

Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve preserves a mosaic of fenland habitats, including reedbeds, damp meadows, and open water. It supports a variety of birdlife and other wildlife and is a popular site for wildlife watching and environmental education. The reserve is managed by the National Trust and features a visitor centre and a network of walking trails.

The name Wicken derives from Old English roots, indicating a farm or settlement by the fen. The village has medieval origins and has historically been an agricultural community. The fenland landscape around Wicken was drained and farmed from the early modern period onward, shaping local settlement and economy.

Today the parish remains rural, with a small population and a mix of residential and agricultural land uses. Wicken Fen attracts visitors from across the region, contributing to local tourism and conservation education.