Fenland 360°

Showcasing the very best of the Fens in 360°.

You’re behind the camera – look left, right, up and down!

World of the Fens

Fenland on Film (Drew Berry) joined by guests (Anthony Browne & Bonnie) savour the delight of sunrise over Welney with the accompanying sight and chorus of swans taking flight.

At the break of day, we take up position on the embankment overlooking Welney Wetland Centre, the New Bedford River and Lady Fen before moving to walk along Bell’s Drove.
The depth of the flood water levelled off at around 3.5m so it was the ideal time to capture the change it made to the landscape.

Venturing along the flooded road (The Causeway, via the footbridge), Drew and Daphne then take a walk along the embankment of the River Delph adjacent to the New Bedford River between Sutton and Earith.

A brief stop is made at the kink in the riverbank to look at the concrete pillars that were once part of the elevated track for the hovertrain, RTV 31 more than 50 years ago.
Join us (Drew & Daph) on our New Year’s Day walk along Adventurers’ Fen at Wicken Fen as we decompress after the season’s festivities and burn some extra calories from having overindulged.

This instalment is a more subdued outing as I was deep in internal reflection / contemplation at the end of 2023 while looking to the year ahead.
“Think, don’t sink” is the clear message behind this one!

Drew and Bushra travel across the flooded wash road from Welney to Suspension Bridge by canoe.

With little wildlife around to observe, there was, however, a wild Armour Transport lorry to be spotted that had attempted to cross the flooded road despite ‘Road Closed’ signage.

The vehicle and driver met with some difficulty before becoming stricken; the driver still inside the cab at the time of our encounter!
Drew Berry and Anthony Browne look at what remains of the Home Guard’s World War II defences and fortifications at Littleport during the period when a German invasion was highly anticipated.
Brian Pearce MBE (Railworld Wildlife Haven) gives Drew a guided tour of the volunteer project in Peterborough.

Learn about the history of the site and take in its many features including RTV 31 (the hovertrain), model railways, nature trails, ponds, mainline railway viewing platform and more!
Flying solo, Drew explores the former site of Mepal Outdoor Centre for the last time following its unjust demolition in 2021.
Drew and Anthony explore the remnants of a Royal Observer Corps installation in Littleport, left from an era when a nuclear attack on Britain was considered a distinct possibility.
Drew sails the Ship of the Fens, making the 288 steps to the top of the West Tower at Ely Cathedral. On what was a beautifully clear day, we’re able to observe the sprawling landscape of the Fens for miles around.
Drew rides aboard the lead float at Downham Market’s annual festival parade, giving viewers a slightly different perspective of the event through the picturesque Fenland market town.
Drew joins a tour of Stretham Old Engine lead by Nick Sharp. Nick provides considerable insight into the draining of Fenland in the past, the operation of this installation and we see a demonstration of how the scoop wheel works, once powered by steam but now modified to run off electric.
Drew goes along to the Nene Valley Railway, Peterborough where 60103 Flying Scotsman is making a guest appearance. We see the platforms and architecture at Wansford Station before boarding the footplate of Flying Scotsman where NVR resident driver, Terry, provides some insight on the famous locomotive. 60163 Tornado also makes a brief appearance.
Look down, if you dare – Drew and Mark take to the skies near Ely.
Drew joins Wicken Fen’s Sally Redman-Davies and Ajay Tegala for a boat trip along the lode and across the Fens.

An enthralling experience from start to finish aboard one of the most leisurely forms of transport – the boat trip encompasses the sights and sounds of this incredible part of the Fens intertwined with its history and heritage. Consider this but a mere taster – you simply must go and experience it for yourself!
Michael Pumfrey provides live commentary during the Grand Parade of Steam Engines and Steam Models at the 50th Haddenham Steam Rally & Heavy Horse Show (2025).
Drew and Mark take to the skies over Fenland again, this time visiting: Sutton Meadows Airfield (Take-off), Earith, Chatteris, Doddington, Wimblington, Manea, Old / New Bedford River (near Welney), Southery, Brandon Creek, Littleport, Ely, Witchford (Lancaster Way) / Grunty Fen, Stretham, Wilburton, Haddenham and Sutton Gault.