Preserving Quy Fen for future generations

Quy Fen is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and is managed by Quy Fen Trust on behalf of the civil Parishes and Cambridgeshire villages of Fen Ditton, Horningsea and Stow cum Quy.

The SSSI status is based on the rare floristically rich calcareous grassland and a number of pools formed on chalk marl excavated in the 19th century for coprolite, a valuable source of fertiliser at the time. Today the pools support a range of aquatic plants and invertebrates including some uncommon species.

The Trustees are responsible for the protection and upkeep of the Fen and are supported by Natural England, the Wildlife Trust and through donation income.

Quy Fen lies at the juncture of the three parishes to the north of Horningsea and is open to public access via several footpaths and bridleways that extend from the three villages. There is no public vehicle access to the Fen.