How can you justify taking land out of production?

The question of taking land out of cultivation particularly amongst the farming community can be an emotive issue.

The total area of land within the Vision area used for agriculture is a tiny percentage of land under cultivation in the United Kingdom. Land removed from production in the Vision area since 1999 equates to 0.01% of the area cropped in the United Kingdom and at the end of the 100 years of the Wicken Fen Vision, (assuming that the Vision is enacted in full), will only equate to 0.16% .

The land cultivated in the Vision area is a fragment of the amount lost annually to housing and other infrastructure development. It should also be bourne in mind that a significant proportion of agricultural land within the Vision area is not currently used for food production, with large areas used for turf and flower growing.

The current practice of draining the land for cultivation is leading to the erosion of the peat soils, at a rate of approximately 1cm per annum. At this rate the peat will be seriously depleted within 50 years, reducing the ability of the land to support productive agriculture.

What if landowners don't want to sell their land?

At the last count there were approximately 120 individual landowners in the Vision area.

Land acquisition by the Trust is the result of a voluntary decision by the landowner to negotiate a sale and secondly the Trust being able to secure funds to purchase the land whether by public donation or grant. We do not have powers of compulsory purchase nor do we seek them.

We appreciate that many landowners may not wish to sell their land either now or in the foreseeable future and in such instances we would be keen to discuss potential land management and public access agreements with individual landowners.

Landowners who may be interested in discussing the sale of their should please contact Chris Soans at Wicken Fen - Tel 01353 720274 or e-mail wickenfen@nationaltrust.org.uk

Can you afford to buy land in view of recent increases in agricultural land values?

In recent years there has been a marked increase in agricultural land values which will invariably have an impact on the Trust's ability to purchase land in the short term.

Historically agriculture land values have gone through a series of booms and depressions and likewise we are taking a long term view to land acquisition. At the outset it was always envisaged that the Vision would take approximately 100 years to reach completion.

Land purchases would be at market value and it's possible that other potential purchasers maybe able to offer a premium over what the Trust maybe able to afford.

Why do you need so much land?

A core principal of the Wicken Fen Vision is to create a landscape scale nature reserve of sufficient size to enable wildlife and visitors to co-exists happily side by side.

The Vision will create a 'green lung' for Cambridgeshire and surrounding communities that are increasingly being squeezed by new development. As a county Cambridgeshire has approximately 50% of publicly accessible countryside compared to most other counties. In the Cambridgeshire Sub-Region alone there is provision for 47,500 homes to be built by 2016 and an anticipated population increase of 130,000 over the next 20 years from its current population of 425,000.

The significance of the Wicken Fen Vision is reflected in its inclusion in the East Cambridgeshire District Council's Corporate Plan and the Governments Regional Spatial Strategy as a focus for the provision of green infrastructure.

What opportunities will there be for employment and new enterprises?

The anticipated increase in visitors to the Vision area will provide opportunities within local communities particularly in hospitality and leisure services. It is also expected that additional employment will be created by the Trust in areas such as visitor services, catering, land and property management, provision of cycle hire and camping facilities etc. The existing 1800 acres maintained by the Trust supports the full time employment of 12 employees and an equal number of part time / casual employees.

A key element of the Vision is to ensure that it has a sustainable financial future and economic benefit to the local communities.

Increased numbers of visitors will create traffic and parking problems in villages surrounding the Vision area.

We are aware of some peoples concerns that increased visitor numbers could lead to traffic congestion and parking difficulties in the villages surrounding the Vision area.

As a first step we have appointed consultants to develop a visitor travel plan which should be available in the New Year. The Trust is committed to sustainable transport and will do our up most to reduce the impact of visitor traffic on the local communities and the environment.

Ideally we would like to see as many visitors as possible arriving by public transport or under their own steam walking, cycling or riding. However, in our highly mobile society we must understand that the private vehicle is often the preferred method or only practicable mode of transport for visitors especially those travelling greater distances and we need to plan and cater for these visitors accordingly.

What is the Trusts policy on the Lodes

The Lodes are important historical features of the fenland landscape. Conserving local history is one of the Trust's most important objectives which is why we want to see the Lodes secured for the future.

The Lodes are the responsibility of the Environment Agency and we will work closely with them to find the best way to secure their long-term future.

Do you intend to flood the Vision lands?

Land will be managed to provide a variety of habitats for wildlife and the public to enjoy. Some low-lying areas will be predominantly wetland whilst other areas will be open grassland, woodland and scrub.

The National Trust has decades of experience in land management and conservation and would not flood the area to the detriment of natural, historic or economic considerations.

Is it safe to have herds of cattle and ponies roaming freely where there is public access?

The safety of the public visiting the reserve is of paramount importance and we constantly review both the safety of the public and animals.

The public are welcome to walk and ride in areas where the animals are grazing however we do request that visitors refrain from feeding or petting the animals. If the animals are blocking your path, please feel free to leave the path to move around them. In other parts of the county access through grazing livestock is common place and we hope over time people will become more familiar with them at Wicken.

In the event that you do experience problems with the animals please report the incident to the Grazing Warden at the Wicken Fen Visitor Centre or telephone 01353 720274

Cyclists, walkers and horseriders don't mix can we have separate paths?

The recently installed bridge over Swaffham Bulbeck Lode is a prime example of how we seek to meet the requirements of all visitors. The bridge has been designed with gentle access ramps and 1.8 metre high parapets to cater for cyclists and horseriders alike. A new bridleway and surfaced footpath running South from the bridge across Bottisham Fen to the White Fen Droveway has also been constructed.

The Trust will strive to meet the needs and requirements of all classes of user but it must be appreciated that it not always feasible or practical to provide separate facilities. Visitors are requested to show mutual respect and curtesey to other visitors.

Can dogs be let of the lead?

Dogs are welcome at Wicken Fen although we do request owners keep their dogs on leads in the SSSI nature reserve. Throughout the wider Vision area visitors are welcome to let their dogs of the lead but are requested to keep their dogs under control and to respect wildlife and other visitors.

Why have you erected so many gates and how can we get keys?

In some areas fencing and gates have been installed to contain the Highland cattle and Konik ponies used a part of our extensive grazing programme. To assist access by walkers and cyclists kissing gates (large enough to accommodate bikes) have been installed on footpaths. Where locked gates have been installed, Horse riders wishing to access the land can be issued with a key.

Will there be a charge to enter the Vision area?

Where the Trust provides facilities such as car parking, toilets, interpretation and catering facilities such as at Wicken Fen and Anglesey Abbey then entrance charges will be levied.

In the larger vision area where there are numerous public rights of way and open countryside access will remain free of charge.

Will the Trust consult local residents on the Vision?

The Trust is committed to consultation and sees it as a vital and essential on-going process as the Vision develops.

In the last 18 months we have conducted extensive consultation which included 20,000 questionnaires delivered to households in and around the Vision area, a series of public meetings and drop-in sessions, attending parish council meetings, local neighbourhood panels, talks to a range of groups and societies and attending local events such as the Fenland Country Fair.

A new User Forum representing a wide range of user groups including walkers, cyclists, horse riders, anglers, bird watchers and naturalists has recently been established. The new forum will look at plans from the user's perspective to help make sure that new facilities and infrastructure meets the needs of as many different users as possible.

If anyone has any questions or comments on the Vision please call into the Wicken Fen Visitor Centre, telephone 01353 720274 or e-mail wickenfen@nationaltrust.org.uk

Creating more wetland will create a haven for mosquitoes and potentially malaria.

There are over 30 species of mosquito in Britain and the vast majority don't bite humans. Although most water bodies will provide habitat for some species of mosquitoes the design of the wetland within the vision should ensure populations do not build up. Larger water bodies containing healthy ecosystems including fish and other predators will eat the mosquito larvae and so prevent their populations from growing. Areas of shallow water will dry out in the summer months before the mosquitoes can build up.