8th May 2011
Wicken Fen and Anglesey Abbey,
Cambridgeshire – National
Trust properties
Wicken Fen – a wetland preserved by the National Trust since
1899. A fen is a marsh fed by groundwater (usually alkaline). This fen uses wind power to pump water away
to dykes, one wind pump being 100 years old. We spent a couple of hours walking
with Sam around the marshes, the reeds and the hides looking for birds and
butterflies. Then it was on to our next NTrust site.
Anglesey Abbey is an amazing Trust property filled with an
exceptional collection of works of art. Whilst
its history is relatively recent, it included a frenzy of acquisition of all
things aesthetic. It is one of our favs
thus far! Of note was the large
collection of clocks all ringing out at 4pm right on time! Then there was the huge library with
Gainsborough’s water colour box, and the etchings of Royal signatures (those
who’ve stayed there) on the window. The
gardens are magnificent and the Trust once again have done an excellent job of
catering for all – children’s activities, workshops, wonderful gardens to
picnic in, good restaurants and entertainment.
