Dernford Fen

Dernford Fen is a natural wetland reserve in Sawston, Cambridgeshire, combining rough fen, carr woodland, dry grassland, scrub vegetation, and ditches across its area. A chalk stream flows through the site, creating distinct habitats for specialized plant and animal life.

The site gained official designation as a Site of Special Scientific Interest in 1983, recognizing its ecological value and need for protection. This status established it as an area requiring safeguards against future development.

The site functions as an educational resource for ecological studies, providing scientists with opportunities to examine wetland ecosystems and their associated species.

The reserve remains closed to public access to preserve its sensitive ecological systems and wildlife populations. Access is restricted to maintain the integrity of the habitats and minimize human disturbance.

The chalk stream running through the site creates mineral-rich water conditions that support specialized aquatic organisms found nowhere else in the area. These specific conditions make the fen exceptionally valuable for scientific observation.

GPS coordinates: 52.13100,0.14900

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:46