Fenland Folk
Fenland Folk: Heritage & Landscape is a free programme of events celebrating the stories, wildlife and cultural heritage of the Cambridgeshire Fens.
Following the success of our events at March Library earlier this year, the programme continues this autumn with a new series of talks at Cambridge Central Library in Lion Yard, Cambridge.
From archaeology and ecology to wildlife and nature recovery, discover what makes the Fens such a unique and ever-changing landscape, and find new ways to connect with the place you call home.
What's On
Cambridge Central Library Talk Series
Cambridge Central Library, Lion Yard, Cambridge
Join us for a series of informal talks exploring different aspects of the Fenland landscape, wildlife, heritage and community.
All events are free, but registration is required. Each talk will last around one hour.
Register for any of the events here, via Eventbrite
An archaeological journey through the Fens
Friday 25 September 2026
Phil Stastney
Fenscapes, University of Cambridge
In conversation with Laurie Friday
Friday 9 October 2026
A ditch-loving ecologist with an unmatched local perspective.
Looking after peat soils in the Fens
Friday 23 October 2026
Liz Stockdale
NIAB
What are the key ingredients for successful large-scale nature recovery?
Friday 13 November 2026
David Coomes
Centre for Landscape Regeneration, University of Cambridge
An introduction to butterflies
Friday 27 November 2026
Matt Hayes
Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge
Winter in the Fens
Friday 11 December 2026
Mary Burgess
Local Studies Librarian, Cambridgeshire County Council
Past March Library Programme
Earlier this year, Fenland Folk took place at March Library, bringing together talks, a Family Day, activities and exhibitions, as well as a programme of activities in local schools.
Family Day
Saturday 6 June 2026, 12–4pm
Celebrating the stories and animals of the Fenlands with the CLR and Museum of Zoology.
Art Exhibition from Local Schools
20 May – 3 July 2026
This exhibition was created by children at Burrowmoor Primary and All Saints Interchurch Academy, with the Museum of Zoology and artist Rebecca Cahill Roots.
March Talk Series
The March programme featured informal talks exploring different aspects of the Fenland landscape and community:
- Thursday 4 June, 10am: An introduction to butterflies with Matt Hayes, Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge.
- Friday 12 June, 2pm: An archaeological journey through the ancient Fens with Rachel Ballantyne and Phil Stastney, Fenscapes Project, University of Cambridge.
- Tuesday 30 June, 2pm: Looking after peat soils in the Fens with Liz Stockdale, NIAB.
- Thursday 9 July, 10am–12pm: In conversation with Laurie Friday, a Fenland champion and ditch-loving ecologist with an unmatched local perspective.
For queries, please contact: clr_admin@plantsci.cam.ac.uk