Holme Fen (SSSI and NNR)
Location and Access Information
Grid Reference: TL 205895
The flat Fenland landscape retains a
record of recent sea level changes.
Holme Fen is located 8km south of Peterborough, next to the hamlet of Holme. The site, which is a National Nature Reserve (NNR), can be accessed by car from the A1 (M), junction 16 and then the B1043 to Connington or via A15 and Yaxley from Peterborough. The B660 (Holme-Ramsey road) passes through the Reserve and car parking is available along this road and the more northerly Yaxley-Holme road.
Further information on the NNR and the Fenland landscape and history can be obtained from the Holme Fen NNR page and the Great Fen website
.
View the site map on Nature on the Map.
Geological Interest
Holme Fen is the largest silver birch woodland in lowland Britain and contains approximately 5ha of acid grassland and heath and a hectare of remnant raised bog, a habitat that would have dominated the area centuries ago. The peat at Holme Fen provides a valuable record of the environment over time. Analysis of the plant remains in the peat, particularly pollen, has enabled scientists to reconstruct the climate, flora and fauna that once occurred in the area over the past 4,000 years. Of particular interest is the Holme Fen Post, located at the south-east side of Holme Lode. This large cast iron column, originally from the Crystal Palace Exhibition Hall, was erected by William Wells in 1852. It was driven through the peat at Holme Fen until its top was flush with the surface. Due to subsequent land drainage and agricultural practice, the peat has continuously shrunk to the extent that the post now projects approximately 4m above the ground surface.
