Lifestyle of North East Cambridgehire

Almost 75,000 people live in this unique part of the country.  Set in northeast Cambridgeshire, Fenland offers plenty of space and the benefits of a growing East Anglian economy.  Native 'Fenlanders' are hardworking, law abiding citizens, with deep Anglo-Saxon roots, proud of the name 'Fen Tigers' gained by fierce opposition to the draining of the fens in the 17th Century.  Their strength of character and independence is demonstrated in the fact that one in six men in work are self-employed.

The great luxuries of city dwellers - fresh air, open skies, and gardens - are easily taken for granted in Fenland.  There is little pressure on building land as all locations can meet projected demands.  Fenland's market towns offer a wide range of housing, from affordable starter homes to authentic Georgian splendour.  Fenland villages also offer an interesting blend of old and new properties.  March is an ideal base for exploring the Fens and participating in the specialist activities that the area offers.  The vast expanse of the Ouses Washes between the Old and New Bedford Rivers is a Wetland of international importance.  Facilities for bird watching are provided at Welches Dam near Manea and the Wildfold & Wetlands Centre at Welney.  The University City of Cambridge, Ely with its magnificent Cathedral and the historic Fenland town of Wisbech are all less than an hours drive from March.  The Queensgate shopping centre at Peterborough is a short drive or train journey away.  March is a convenient and welcoming stopover for boats traveling between the Nene and Ouse waterway systems with moorings in attractive surroundings in the town centre close to shops and facilities.  Fishing in the Fens has always been famous - over the years the quality and variety of the area's course fishing has attracted many visitors.  The old course of the River Nene which flows gently through the town is open to everyone with a current NRA rod license.

Education has long enjoyed a high priority in Cambridgeshire.  There are many pioneering programs in primary and secondary education, including 'community colleges'.  Schools in Fenland have a good reputation and the local Council provides positive support.  The Isle College and the Cambridgeshire College of Agriculture, both at Wisbech, provide further and higher education, with a wide range of academic and vocational courses.  Colleges at Cambridge, Huntingdon, King's Lynn and Peterborough add to the choice of courses available to local residents and international students.

The open fenland landscapes attract many visitors keen to fish, study local history, observe wildlife, ride horses, or just cruise around in boats.  Fenland residents are also within easy reach of the rest of East Anglia and the East Midlands with daytrip choices between the coast, the wealth of East Anglia's architectural heritage, and a massive variety of museums and tourist attractions.  Locally, there is a surprisingly large choice of indoor and outdoor activities.  Community life is very active, with elaborate plans for the many annual gals, and a wide range of village sports.  Most community schools and colleges offer leisure classes and course of study. Cultural activities are mainly centred in Fenland's market towns. Village pubs attract wider custom with good food; often featuring the excellent fresh produce for with the area is famous.

Shoppers throughout Fenland enjoy not only a comprehensive range of shops but also two rare commodities - free parking and excellent personal service.  The four market towns provide for most shopping needs, with a good selection both of specialist shops and of nationally known names.  Peterborough, King's Lynn and Cambridge are major regional shopping centres, all easily accessible from Fenland.  Additional retail floor space in town centres, more pedestrianised streets and major environmental improvements will arrive soon.