LOWLAND LEGEND
Uncover the secrets of the Fens SUBLIME SUNSETS, WILD WETLANDS AND FABULOUS FOLKLORE: ALEX FICE SPEAKS TO LOCAL AUTHOR KAREN MERRISON ABOUT HER NEW BOOK, SECRET FENS HIDDEN TREASURES
says Karen. “One story that’s always stuck in my mind is that of Hickathrift, a giant who supposedly fought an ogre to protect a cluster of villages in the Fens. Family members always told me that story since they’d learnt it when they were children, so it was nice to find out more when researching for the book.” Karen’s connections to the Fens through her family and upbringing run deep. As well as writing about the area in her book, she is also the organiser of a festival called Celebrate the Fens Day, bringing together communities throughout the region to showcase its vibrant heritage. Since the first festival in 2020, it has grown and grown, transitioning from online talks to predominantly in-person events, with many local organisations involved. This year’s Celebrate
ambridgeshire is well known for its atmospheric Fenlands: a low-lying area of reclaimed
marshland around the Wash (the largest tidal estuary system in England). Yet, this unique landscape is often described as misunderstood – perceived as wild, daunting and isolated. Now, local author Karen Merrison is on a mission to reveal the secrets of the Fens in her brand-new book, which shares a lifelong love for an area with abundant heritage and stunning landscapes waiting to be discovered. Founder of Fascinating Fens – an initiative that brings people together to celebrate the region through regular events and online talks – Karen is a proud advocate of Cambridgeshire’s famous flatlands. Her upcoming book Secret Fens delves into the area’s rich history, rare wildlife and special local customs, sharing have a fascinating history and heritage, as well as stunning landscapes – the sunsets and sunrises are amazing,” she enthuses. “There’s so much folklore as well, which is certainly underestimated. People don’t tend to know much of this, hence I’ve written about it in Secret Fens . I think they are really magical, and it would just be wonderful if people started to visit or find out more about them.” When writing the book, Karen visited lots of places around the Fens, exploring museums, taking photos and speaking to the locals. She also drew from her father’s stories of life there when he was a child. “My dad’s side of the family has always lived in the Fens, so I grew up listening to tales and memories, which sparked my interest from an early age,” intriguing stories of royalty, giants and Viking warriors along the way. Born and bred in the Fens, Karen hopes the book will encourage people to discover its beauty for themselves: “The Fens
the Fens Day is on 18 June, with events taking place across the weekend from 17-19 June. Beginning with an online launch featuring music, poetry and special guests on the Friday, there will be an open day at Crowland Abbey, a Fen Edge Trail walking tour with
STORIES OF ROYALTY, GIANTS AND VIKINGS
the Cambridgeshire Geological Society, Discover Downham activities in Downham Market, and plenty of opportunities to explore nature reserves and wetlands. Karen will give an illustrated talk about her new book, followed by a meet and greet, on 18 June. With some reports suggesting that the Fens could be flooded within 50 years due to rising sea levels, recording the history and culture of this remarkable Cambridgeshire landscape has never been more important. Thanks to people like Karen, the enchanting story of the Fens seems to be in safe hands. Secret Fens is available to purchase now. To find out more about the area and get involved with Celebrate the Fens Day, visit fascinatingfens.com
LOW PROFILE Renowned for being remarkably flat, the history of the Fens is anything but! Find out about its unique locations, famous figures and ‘Fentastic’ traditions through Karen Merrison’s storytelling
CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK JUNE 2022 25
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