THE FENS

COMMON LAND

A HERITAGE PROJECT

We are creating a digital archive of The Fens for you to access whilst walking around this beautiful place.

The Fens are an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Home to wandering stags, rare species of bird and plants, steeped in local history and surrounded by unusual architecture.

Enjoy this digital archive of social history, creative record and story capture.

Scan the QR codes along your walk to read and listen to stories and memories from locals and visitors.

Environment

Magical PlaceMike H

00:00 / 01:35

Wild FlowersRector Mark L

00:00 / 01:54

Larks RisingHazel C

00:00 / 00:51

Climate ChangeMichael N

00:00 / 03:10

BirdsMichael N

00:00 / 00:39

Declining WildlifeDavid T

00:00 / 02:26

Home to the SantuaryHazel C

00:00 / 01:15

Talking to the OwlsJack

00:00 / 00:44

Favourite SpotsChris B

00:00 / 02:33

Aldringham church Footpath to Aldringham

Local History

An Invasion ComingMike N

00:00 / 00:28

Soldiers on the CommonMike N

00:00 / 01:12

Prisoners of WarMike N

00:00 / 01:13

An Unusual FindRector Mark L

00:00 / 01:25

Metal DetectingJack

00:00 / 02:18

Cecil LayChris B

00:00 / 03:27

Joshua ChardChris B

00:00 / 04:13

Roll of HonourChris S

00:00 / 08:50

Church History - Henry IIDavid G

00:00 / 05:06

Church History - From the 14th CenturyDavid G

00:00 / 03:24

The River HundredDavid G

00:00 / 00:52

Daily Life & People

Light of the ChurchRev. Shiela H

00:00 / 01:43

Wildlife on the FensMike N

00:00 / 00:56

Working the FarmMike N

00:00 / 01:18

Animal ServiceRev. Shiela H

00:00 / 01:53

SharingHazel C

00:00 / 01:38

Being AcceptedJack

00:00 / 03:40

Sharing the GardenSuzanne H

00:00 / 01:49

MomentsYvonne E

00:00 / 02:01

Other Items of Interest

ROLL OF HONOUR

CHURCH HISTORY

HISTORY OF THE FENS

RSPB SPECIES

ANCIENT TREES

ANCIENT TREES

Did you know?

The 'Witch Broom Tree' is on the Ancient Tree inventory?

The trunk measures 3.86 metres – it was measured on 22nd June 2020 (12.66404 Feet)

Protected by law – no development can take place that will disturb its roots or general health, it cannot be felled.

Arborists typically use trunk diameter to determine a root protection area during development. A common guideline recommends a tree protection area with a radius of one foot for every one inch of trunk diameter – a 12 to 1 ratio.

This tree has a root area of approximately 1824 feet or 556 Metres!

For more information on the wonderful trees in the Fens, please check out the following resources:

WOODLAND TRUST - PHONE APP TO DOWNLOAD FOR FREE

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/british-trees/tree-id-app/

ANCIENT TREE REGISTER

https://ati.woodlandtrust.org.uk/

SUFFOLK TREE WARDENS

Home page for Suffolk Tree Wardens: loads of excellent info and resources including a free downloadable app to identify trees when you are out walking.

https://www.suffolktreewardens.org.uk/

Identifying Trees

https://www.suffolktreewardens.org.uk/members-page/tree-id-guide-app/

THE TREE COUNCIL

https://treecouncil.org.uk/

GROWING TREES FROM SEED

https://treecouncil.org.uk/take-action/seasonal-campaigns/seed-gathering-season/growing-trees-from-seed/

If you are planning a walk in the Fens please check out Suffolk County Council's Discover Suffolk and their guide to enjoying parks and waterways, coast and countryside: Countryside Code - Discover Suffolk

CONTRIBUTORS

Creative Curve would like to thank the following contributors to this project:

Chris Broom – Drone footage film
Alde Valley Suffolk Family History Group
Chris Burrell Saward - Roll of Honour WW1
David Gordon - Treasurer of St Andrew, Aldringham Church
RSPB