Official Programme 2015www.ousewashes.org.uk/ousefest

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How to get herePlease check Stagecoach (www.stagecoachbus.com) and Trainline (www.thetrainline.com) for details of public transport.

CAMBRIDGE

WICKEN

SWAVESEYRSPB FEN DRAYTON LAKES

ST IVES

EARITHSTRETHAM

SUTTONWITCHAM

MEPALCOVENEY

ELY

PRICKWILLOW

LITTLEPORT

MEPAL OUTDOOR CENTRE

CHATTERISRSPB OUSE WASHES

MANEA

MARCH

WWT WELNEY WETLAND CENTRE

HILGAY

DENVER SLUICE COMPLEX

DOWNHAM MARKET

WISBECH

HUNTINGDON

A1123

A14

A10

A1123

A142

A141

A47A1

41

A1101

A1102

A1101 A10

LEGENDOUSEFEST LOCATIONSMAIN ROADSOUSE WASHESOUSE WASHES LANDSCAPE

PUBLIC TRANSPORTRAILWAY STATIONRAILWAY LINEGUIDED BUSWAY

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Welcome to OuseFestA warm welcome to the first ever OuseFest, a brand-new festival celebrating the Ouse Washes Landscape and Communities!

OuseFest is a celebration of everything that makes the Ouse Washes Landscape and surrounding Fenland area great! The programme has been designed so that there’s something for everyone to enjoy whether you’re interested in cultural heritage, wildlife, local history, archaeology, arts and literature or leisure activities.

We are absolutely delighted to present this whole fortnight of exciting local events happening at a variety of venues right on our doorsteps. It’s a perfect opportunity to learn more about the history of our fascinating Ouse Washes area, local wildlife and habitats and traditional Fenland life. OuseFest is sure to be lots of fun and a great way to reminisce about the old days, think about the Ouse Washes of the future and enjoy everything our beautiful local area has to offer.

We are very grateful to our main funders, the Heritage Lottery Fund, and to all of our Partners, and the local organisations and businesses who are holding events and making OuseFest possible.

We are incredibly excited about OuseFest and hope it gives you additional opportunities to connect with your local area and meet new people in your communities. We would love to see you at one of the fantastic events or Family Fun Days happening across the fortnight, please do come and say hello!

Sara Marshall OuseFest Co-ordinator and Countryside Engagement & Marketing Officer at the Ouse Washes Landscape Partnership

Molly Dancing © Heritage Alive!

Tell us what you thinkWe’d love to hear your feedback, comments and ideas for next year’s OuseFest. Please feel free to get in touch by email sara.marshall@cambsacre.org.uk or on social media.

 Ouse Washes Landscape Partnership   @OuseFest

The events in this programme may be subject to changes. Please check our website for updates: www.ousewashes.org.uk/ousefest

Front cover image: WWT Welney © Paul Constable @prconstable

OuseFest Fun DaySATURDAY 25TH JULY, 11AM – 5PM, FREE MEPAL OUTDOOR CENTRE, CHATTERIS ROAD, MEPAL, CAMBS CB6 2AZ

Join us for an all-day extravaganza in a celebration of the landscape, our community and our marvellous volunteers. Take part in an adventurous RSPB Treasure Hunt, get creative making your own mosaic coaster art with Carolyn Ash or relax in the trees with some captivating story-telling and music by Michael Rouse and John Crowe.

You can learn about barn owls and dissect a pellet with the Barn Owl Conservation Network, encounter different cultures by dressing up in traditional costumes with the Rosmini Centre, or take part in the Mepal Outdoor Centre Trust Trail.

Discover the local countryside with A Cycle Ride in the Ouse Washes (by Ely Hereward Rotary Club), find out about the history of eels with The Catching, Cooking and Eating of Eels installation by The Field Theatre Group and learn about traditional Molly Dancing with Mepal & Witcham Primary School. There is sure to be something for everyone so come along, join in the fun and meet new people in your community!

All activities are FREE. There will be food and drinks available to buy throughout the day.

Barn Owl © www.bocn.org

Mepal Outdoor Centre Trust Trail © Williams Photography Ltd

Mosaic Workshop with Carolyn Ash © OWLP

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The events in this programme may be subject to changes. Please check our website for updates: www.ousewashes.org.uk/ousefest

OuseFest at Denver SluiceTUESDAY 28TH JULY, 10AM – 4PM, FREE DENVER SLUICE COMPLEX, SLUICE ROAD, DOWNHAM MARKET, NORFOLK PE38 0AZ

Be sure to make your way to OuseFest at Denver Sluice for a huge day of fun celebrating the incredible site that keeps our whole Fenland area from flooding. Hosted in partnership with the Environment Agency.

Take a boat trip with the River Inspector, get up close to intriguing creatures with the Environment Agency eel and fish tank or try your hand at rowing and take mini-tours with the West Norfolk Rowing Club. Cambridge Archaeological Unit will be staging an exciting re-enactment of the mid-19th century Flat Earth Trials that took place on the Old Bedford River with the chance to view the area through telescopes and learn about the archaeology of the area.

You can explore local wildlife and birds with Norfolk Wildlife Trust and the RSPB, take a taster session with the King’s Lynn Angling

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Rowing at Denver Sluice © Phil Bancroft

Association and meet Peter Carter, the local Eel Man. Learn about local biodiversity and invasive alien species, see live specimens, and take part in interactive games and activities with the Norfolk Non-native Species Initiative (NNNSI).

Discover the local countryside with A Cycle Ride in the Ouse Washes Presentation (by Ely Hereward Rotary Club), experience The Catching, Cooking and Eating of Eels installation by The Field Theatre Group and encounter different cultures by dressing up in traditional costumes with the Rosmini Centre. There is sure to be something for everyone so come along so come and join in the fun!

Walking Tours of Denver SluiceSATURDAY 25TH (10:30AM – NOON), SUNDAY 26TH (10:30AM – NOON) & MONDAY 27TH JULY (6PM – 7:30PM), FREE DENVER SLUICE COMPLEX, SLUICE ROAD, DOWNHAM MARKET, NORFOLK PE38 0AZ

A chance to get a special guided tour of the Denver Complex, including Denver Sluice. Find out how the cities of Ely and Cambridge are protected from flooding, and how they can send water a hundred miles away for consumption in Colchester and Chelmsford.

Places are limited. Please reserve yours by contacting Sara Marshall at sara.marshall@cambsacre.org.uk or 01353 865028.

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WWT Welney Wetland CentreEVENTS THROUGHOUT OUSEFEST, NORMAL CHARGES APPLY (APART FROM KIDS GO FREE DAYS), SEE CALENDAR ON PAGES 8 & 9 FOR MORE DETAILS, WWT WELNEY WETLAND CENTRE, HUNDRED FOOT BANK, WELNEY, NORFOLK PE14 9TN, TEL: 01353 860711

At this time of year insects, breeding birds and mammals like water voles take centre stage. The Ouse Washes become a tranquil scene to enjoy on warm summer days. The events and activities during OuseFest will help you connect with this wildlife and understand how amazing these sometimes overlooked creatures can be. Walk on the Washes gives you the chance to learn more about the reserve and how the Ouse Washes were created. Wetland Safari and Big Twitch Day showcase the variety of species that rely on wetlands. The Great Ouse Wetland project enables you to connect with our wetlands in a very twenty first century way. The How to Film Wildlife drop in workshops and Wildlife Film Screening evening give you a taste of what has been achieved so far by our volunteers and how you could become part of this project too!

WWT Welney Wetland Centre provides the ideal setting to explore the landscape of the Ouse Washes in the heart of the Fens, whilst still having all the amenities you need close to hand. In the winter the Ouse Washes plays host to one of the UK’s most incredible wildlife spectacles, as over ten thousand swans return here for refuge. They fill the landscape with a cacophony of whooping calls and turn fields white as they feast on the waste from the autumn harvest. Tens of thousands of ducks and several thousand wading birds join the swans. The commentated wild swan feeds run by WWT Welney give you the opportunity to get a closer look at some of these incredible migrants and to find out more about the journeys they make and the lives they lead.

The visitor centre offers a unique view of the Fen landscape, as from the Wigeon Cafe on the first floor of the building you can see wetlands being recreated and providing homes for wildlife set in amongst the blocks of arable farmland. A trip over the footbridge to the reserve brings you at first into the main observatory. Centrally heated in winter, this huge hide is packed with interactive tools for you to connect with wildlife. A walk to the further hides will also bring you to the pond dipping stations, dragonfly ponds and summer walk.

Pond Dipping © WWT

Filming Workshop © Adam Finch

Children Birdwatching © WWT

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RSPB Ouse Washes Discovery Day

THURSDAY 30TH JULY, 10AM – 4PM, FREE RSPB OUSE WASHES, WELCHES DAM, CAMBS PE15 0NF, TEL: 01354 680212

Bring your family and friends to the wonderful RSPB Ouse Washes Reserve to discover how we provide a home for nature in the Fens. There will be a variety of activities for all ages. At the visitor centre children can enjoy fun games and crafts. You can provide for wildlife in your garden by building nest boxes and butterfly feeders. All ages can enjoy our minibeast safari, looking for important pollinating insects on local farmland and seeing what farmers are doing to encourage them. There will also be a special chance to see what goes on behind the scenes with a guided walk out into the Ouse Washes themselves, where the RSPB and local farmers graze cattle and manage habitats for birds.

There is a suggested £5 donation for those taking part in the nest box building workshop.

Manea Pit DaySATURDAY 25TH JULY, NOON – 4PM, FREE MANEA PIT & PAVILION, MANEA RECREATION GROUND, CAMBS

Hosted by Manea Parish Council and local community groups, an afternoon of fun events surrounding Manea Pit. This will include the official launch of the pond dipping area, guided walks around the pit, a presentation on the history of the village, a photographic display of wildlife to be found around the pit area, photography competition, ‘learn how to fish’ session and activities in the community orchard. Refreshments will be available to purchase at Manea Pavilion.

The Fenland Ark: St Withburga’s The Floating Church of Holme & Manea TalkTHURSDAY 23RD JULY, 7PM – 8:30PM, FREE MANEA VILLAGE HALL, SCHOOL LANE, MANEA, MARCH, PE15 0JN

In 1904, the Fenland Ark travelled up the Old Bedford River serving the settlements of Welches Dam, Purls Bridge and The Colony. Using pictures and extracts from the diaries of Rev. George Broke, Kirsten Bennett will tell the story of how a Floating Church was conceived as a unique method of taking the Church to the people of isolation Fenland communities. Free refreshments will be served and copies of the book by John Bennett will be available to purchase.

Places are limited. Please reserve yours by contacting Sara Marshall at sara.marshall@cambsacre.org.uk or 01353 865028.

Ouse Washes Poetry WorkshopTHURSDAY 30TH JULY, 1:30PM – 3:30PM, WWT WELNEY WETLAND CENTRE, HUNDRED FOOT BANK, WELNEY, NORFOLK PE14 9TN

Get your creative juices flowing exploring the wildlife and landscape of the Ouse Washes in your own words with Fenland Poet Laureate Jonathan Totman and local poet Leanne Moden.

Words on Water: an Evening of Poetry ReadingsTHURSDAY 30TH JULY, 7:30PM – 9:30PM, WWT WELNEY WETLAND CENTRE, HUNDRED FOOT BANK, WELNEY, NORFOLK PE14 9TN

Listen to acclaimed poets from East Anglia bring landscape to life in the beautiful surroundings of the nature reserve at WWT Welney.

The events in this programme may be subject to changes. Please check our website for updates: www.ousewashes.org.uk/ousefest

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Calendar of eventsDATE EVENT PAGEMONDAY 20TH JULY Migrant Links Exhibition, 9am – 5pm, Rosmini Centre 10

Fen Landscapes in Glass Exhibition, 10:30am – 5pm, The Stained Glass Museum, Ely 14Walk on the Washes, 11am – 1pm, WWT Welney 6Bug Bonanza, 11am – 3pm, RSPB Fen Drayton LakesOuseFest Opening Event, invitation only, WWT WelneyOuse Washes Talk by Mike Petty, 8:30pm – 9:30pm, Fen Drayton Village Hall 11

TUESDAY 21ST JULY Migrant Links Exhibition, 9am – 5pm, Rosmini Centre 10The Catching, Cooking and Eating of Eels Installation, 10am – 4pm, WWT Welney 13Fen Landscapes in Glass Exhibition, 10:30am – 5pm, The Stained Glass Museum, Ely 14A Cycle Ride in the Ouse Washes, 11am – 4pm, WWT Welney 12North Swavesey History Walk, 7pm, Swavesey Busway Stop 13

WEDNESDAY 22ND JULY Migrant Links Exhibition, 9am – 5pm, Rosmini Centre 10Kids Go Free Day, 9:30am – 5pm, WWT Welney 6The Catching, Cooking and Eating of Eels Installation, 10am – 4pm, WWT Welney 13Pond Dipping Session, 10:30am – 11:30am & 1:30pm – 2:30pm, RSPB Fen Drayton Lakes 10Fen Landscapes in Glass Exhibition, 10:30am – 5pm, The Stained Glass Museum, Ely 14Writing the Fens: An Evening with Jim Kelly, Jill Dawson and Alison Bruce by Topping Books, 7:10pm, St Peter’s Church, Ely

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THURSDAY 23RD JULY Migrant Links Exhibition, 9am – 5pm, Rosmini Centre 10How to Film Wildlife Workshop, 9:30am – 5pm, WWT Welney 6The Catching, Cooking and Eating of Eels Installation, 10am – 4pm, WWT Welney 13Fen Landscapes in Glass Exhibition, 10:30am – 5pm, The Stained Glass Museum, Ely 14Walk on the Washes, 11am – 1pm, WWT Welney 6Ancient Human Occupation of Chatteris, 2pm – 4:30pm, Chatteris Museum 13The Fenland Ark: St Withburga’s The Floating Church Talk, 7 – 8:30pm, Manea Village Hall 7

FRIDAY 24TH JULY Migrant Links Exhibition, 9am – 5pm, Rosmini Centre 10The Catching, Cooking and Eating of Eels Installation, 10am – 4pm, WWT Welney 13Fen Landscapes in Glass Exhibition, 10:30am – 5pm, The Stained Glass Museum, Ely 14

SATURDAY 25TH JULY Ancient Human Occupation of Chatteris, 10am – 1pm, Chatteris Museum 13Wire Sculpture Workshop with Yvette Parfett, 10am – 4pm, WWT Welney 6Old Riverport St Ives Discovery Day, 10am – 10pm 11Walking Tour of Denver Sluice, 10:30am – noon, Denver Sluice Complex 5Fen Landscapes in Glass Exhibition, 10:30am – 5pm, The Stained Glass Museum, Ely 14OuseFest Fun Day, 11am – 5pm, Mepal Outdoor Centre 4Manea Pit Day, noon – 4pm, Manea Pit & Pavilion 7History Walks, 1pm & 3pm, WWT Welney 6Hilgay Community Archaeology Workshop, Test Pit & BBQ, 2pm, Dents Hilgay 12Wildlife Film Screening, 6pm – 8pm, WWT Welney 6Bat Discovery Evening, 8pm – 11pm, National Trust Wicken Fen 15

SUNDAY 26TH JULY Wetland Safari, 9:30am – 5pm, WWT Welney 6Walking Tour of Denver Sluice, 10:30am – noon, Denver Sluice Complex 5Littleport 10k & Fun Run, 10:45am, www.littleport10k.co.ukHilgay Community Archaeology Test Pit, 11am, Dents Hilgay 12Nature Explorers, 10am – 4pm, RSPB Fen Drayton LakesWind, Steam & Diesel Family Trail & Fun Day, 11am – 4.30pm, Prickwillow Engine Museum, Stretham Old Engine & Wicken Fen

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Fen Landscapes in Glass Exhibition, noon – 4pm, The Stained Glass Museum, Ely 14Circuit of the Fens, Whittlesey 15

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DATE EVENT PAGEMONDAY 27TH JULY Migrant Links Exhibition, 9am – 5pm, Rosmini Centre 10

Wildlife Film Room, 9:30am – 5pm, WWT Welney 6Fen Landscapes in Glass Exhibition, 10:30am – 5pm, The Stained Glass Museum, Ely 14Walk on the Washes, 11am – 1pm, WWT Welney 6An Audience with Alison Bruce, 2pm – 3pm, Downham Market Library 14Walking Tour of Denver Sluice, 6pm – 7:30pm, Denver Sluice Complex 5

TUESDAY 28TH JULY Wildlife Film Room, 9:30am – 5pm, WWT Welney 6OuseFest at Denver Sluice + Cambridge Archaeological Unit Flat Earth Trials, 10am – 4pm, Denver Sluice Complex

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Fen Landscapes in Glass Exhibition, 10:30am – 5pm, The Stained Glass Museum, Ely 14WEDNESDAY 29TH JULY Migrant Links Exhibition, 9am – 5pm, Rosmini Centre 10

Kids Go Free Day, 9:30am – 5pm, WWT Welney 6Wildlife Film Room, 9:30am – 5pm, WWT Welney 6The Catching, Cooking and Eating of Eels Installation, 10am – 4pm, WWT Welney 13Pond Dipping Session, 10:30am – 11:30am & 1:30pm – 2:30pm, RSPB Fen Drayton Lakes 10Fen Landscapes in Glass Exhibition, 10:30am – 5pm, The Stained Glass Museum, Ely 14Drainage of the Fens Talk, 7pm – 8:30pm, Earith Rector’s Hall 12

THURSDAY 30TH JULY Migrant Links Exhibition, 9am – 5pm, Rosmini Centre 10Wildlife Film Room, 9:30am – 5pm, WWT Welney 6RSPB Discovery Day, 10am – 4pm, RSPB Ouse Washes 7The Catching, Cooking and Eating of Eels Installation, 10am – 4pm, WWT Welney 13Fen Landscapes in Glass Exhibition, 10:30am – 5pm, The Stained Glass Museum, Ely 14Ouse Washes Poetry Workshop, 1:30pm – 3:30pm, WWT Welney 7Ancient Human Occupation of Chatteris, 2pm – 4:30pm, Chatteris Museum 13OWLP Hidden Stories Trails Archives Workshop, 2:30pm – 4:30pm, Huntingdon Library 11Words on Water: an Evening of Poetry Readings, 7:30pm – 9:30pm, WWT Welney 7

FRIDAY 31ST JULY Migrant Links Exhibition, 9am – 5pm, Rosmini Centre 10Wildlife Film Room, 9:30am – 5pm, WWT Welney 6Isle of Ely Open Churches Trail, 10am – 4pm 13The Catching, Cooking and Eating of Eels Installation, 10am – 4pm, WWT Welney 13Children’s Author Victor Watson, 10:30am – 11:30am, Ely Library 14Fen Landscapes in Glass Exhibition, 10:30am – 5pm, The Stained Glass Museum, Ely 14The Life & Migration of Bewick’s & Whooper Swans Talk, 1pm, WWT Welney 6

SATURDAY 1ST AUGUST Big Twitch Day, 6am – 7pm, WWT Welney 6Wildlife Film Room, 9:30am – 5pm, WWT Welney 6Ancient Human Occupation of Chatteris, 10am – 1pm, Chatteris Museum 13The Catching, Cooking and Eating of Eels Installation, 10am – 4pm, WWT Welney 13Anglo Saxon Adventure, 10:30am – 5pm, Ely Museum 10Hilgay Community Archaeology Workshop, Test Pit & BBQ, 2pm, Dents Hilgay 12Stories and Stitching, Waterways and Journeys Workshop, times & venue TBC 11

SUNDAY 2ND AUGUST How to Film Wildlife Workshop, 9:30am – 5pm, WWT Welney 6The Catching, Cooking and Eating of Eels Installation, 10am – 4pm, WWT Welney 13Hilgay Community Archaeology Test Pit, 11am, Dents Hilgay 12Beautiful Butterflies, 11am – 3pm, RSPB Fen Drayton LakesStories and Stitching, Waterways and Journeys Workshop, times & venue TBC 11

The events in this programme may be subject to changes. Please check our website for updates: www.ousewashes.org.uk/ousefest

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Wind, Steam & Diesel Family Trail & Fun DaySUNDAY 26TH JULY, 11AM – 4.30PM, PRICKWILLOW ENGINE MUSEUM, MAIN STREET, PRICKWILLOW, CAMBS CB7 4UN, TEL: 01353 688360

Head to Prickwillow for a Family Fun Day and try out the new engine sound tubes, take part in a percussion workshop to explore their natural rhythm, and then watch the engines demonstrated in motion. What can you see on the local nature walk on the adjacent farm following the spotter’s guide sheets? There will also be plenty of games and activities with prizes to be won, face-painting, and Cornelius Vermuyden re-enactments. BBQ lunch and sandwiches available for purchase.

Reduced entry fees: Adults £3, Concessions £2.50, free to all accompanied children.

Why not take the complete Wind, Steam and Diesel Family Trail including Prickwillow Engine Museum, National Trust’s Wicken Fen and Stretham Old Engine, and learn about the history of drainage through wind, steam and diesel. Please check www.ousewashes.org.uk/ousefest for the downloadable Wind, Steam and Diesel Family Trail map or pick one up from participating museums.

Mirrlees Engine at Prickwillow © Prickwillow Engine Museum

Anglo Saxon AdventureSATURDAY 1ST AUGUST, 11AM – 4PM ELY MUSEUM, THE OLD GAOL, MARKET STREET, ELY, CAMBS CB7 4LS, TEL: 01353 666655

An exciting Living History Day surrounding an Anglo Saxon Adventure. Anglo Saxons are invading! Come and learn about their lives at Ely Museum. It’s also a perfect chance to see Aedwen’s Brooch: The mystery of Sutton’s Silver. A family friendly exhibition featuring a silver Anglo-Saxon brooch on loan from the British Museum. The brooch was found in the village of Sutton over 300 years ago. The exhibition runs from 18th July – 18th October.

Adults £4.50, Concessions £4, Children £1 (under 5s free).

Migrant Links ExhibitionMONDAY 20TH – FRIDAY 31ST JULY (WEEKDAYS ONLY, NOT TUESDAY 28TH JULY), 9AM – 5PM, FREE ROSMINI CENTRE, 69 QUEENS RD, WISBECH PE13 2PH

This exhibition looks at the migration of people in the Ouse Washes over 300 years, including the artwork of children depicting the countries they or their relatives come from, beautiful traditional costumes and jigsaw puzzles made by volunteers at the Rosmini Centre and voice recordings of migrant stories.

You can also see this exhibition at the OuseFest Fun Day at Mepal Outdoor Centre (Saturday 25th July) and OuseFest at Denver Sluice (Tuesday 28th July).

Please check availability by contacting Oksana Straseviciene on 01945 474422.

Pond Dipping Sessions

WEDNESDAY 22ND & WEDNESDAY 29TH JULY, 10:30AM – 11:30AM & 1:30PM – 2:30PM, FREE RSPB FEN DRAYTON LAKES, TEL: 01954 233260

For information on more events at RSPB Fen Drayton Lakes, please check www.ousewashes.org.uk/ousefest.

The events in this programme may be subject to changes. Please check our website for updates: www.ousewashes.org.uk/ousefest

Old Riverport St Ives Discovery DaySATURDAY 25TH JULY, 10AM – 10PM, FREE ST IVES CORN EXCHANGE AND HOLT ISLAND

Hosted by St Ives Town Team in association with several local community groups, discover the story of the Great Ouse, a major inland waterway in England, its impact on St Ives as an important river port and the new developments taking place.

Children’s activities, craft sessions, talks, exhibitions, poetry, music and film - FREE activities for all ages including 50 free river trips. See the full programme and how to book at: www.theoldriverportstives.co.uk

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Stories and Stitching, Waterways and JourneysSATURDAY 1ST & SUNDAY 2ND AUGUST, MORE INFORMATION COMING SOON – PLEASE CHECK WWW.OUSEWASHES.ORG.UK/OUSEFEST

Workshops with local artist, Jane Frost, to launch the Fenland Story Quilt project. For people who have a story to share, have experienced a journey to where they live now in the Ouse Washes Landscape, or like to stitch. This is a family friendly event. There will be tea and cake/light refreshments! Ouse Washes Landscape maps and information will also be on display.

Places are limited. Please reserve yours by contacting Jane Frost at Jane@FrostArt.co.uk or 07967 088348.

OWLP Hidden Stories Trails Archives Workshop “Unlocking the Archives”THURSDAY 30TH JULY, 2:30PM – 4:30PM, FREE HUNTINGDONSHIRE ARCHIVES, HUNTINGDON LIBRARY, PRINCES STREET, HUNTINGDON, PE29 3PA

Join staff at Huntingdonshire Archives for an opportunity to view a wide selection of historical maps, photographs and documents of the Ouse

Washes area dating back over 400 years (including the nationally significant Bedford Level Corporation Archives). Learn how to explore our collections and get helpful advice on visiting the Archives and find out about the care and preservation of historic records as our Document Conservator demonstrates his skills.

Places are limited. Please reserve yours by contacting Huntingdonshire Archives at hunts.archives@cambridgeshire.gov.uk or 01480 372738.

The Old Riverport, St Ives © St Ives Town Team

Ouse Washes People & Places with Mike PettyMONDAY 20TH JULY, 8:30PM – 9:30PM, FREE FEN DRAYTON VILLAGE HALL, COOTES LANE, FEN DRAYTON, CAMBRIDGE CB24 4SL

The Ouse Washes people and places: an exploration of the people and communities who live alongside the Old and New Bedford Rivers. An illustrated presentation about the local communities, enhanced by the discoveries of local people.

Places are limited. Please reserve yours by contacting Sara Marshall at sara.marshall@cambsacre.org.uk or 01353 865028.

Swavesey Sluice Agreement © Huntingdon Archives

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Archaeology for All in HilgaySATURDAYS 25TH JULY & 1ST AUGUST (2PM – 4PM), SUNDAYS 26TH JULY & 2ND AUGUST (11AM – 4PM), FREE, DENTS, SAUSAGE HOUSE, STOCKS HILL, HILGAY, DOWNHAM MARKET, NORFOLK PE38 0JD, TEL: 01366 387686

Take part in some fascinating community archaeology with West Norfolk & King’s Lynn Archaeological Society. Excavation will take place of archaeological test pits, 1m x 1m, within multiple locations across the island village of Hilgay. The aim is to explore the village origins. Hilgay is at least late Saxon in origin, but Roman and Prehistoric artefacts have also been recovered over the past 100 years. Ancient artefacts will be recovered, available to handle – come along and join in the excitement of discovery!

Community Archaeology Dig © West Norfolk & King’s Lynn Archaeological Society

The Ouse Washes at Earith © Bill Blake Heritage Documentation

A Cycle Ride in the Ouse Washes, Ely Hereward Rotary ClubTUESDAY 21ST JULY, 11AM – 4PM, FREE, POND ROOM, WWT WELNEY WETLAND CENTRE, HUNDRED FOOT BANK, WELNEY, NORFOLK PE14 9TN, TEL: 01353 860711

This video presentation takes you on a journey through the Ouse Washes closely following the Tiger Route that cyclists will follow on their ride at the Ouse Washes Experience on Sunday 20th September 2015. You will be able to meet Gregg Brassett, miracle marathon man, who will be riding his static bike to accompany the presentation, and offer members of the audience to “have a go”.

You can also see this video presentation at the OuseFest Fun Day at Mepal Outdoor Centre (Saturday 25th July) and OuseFest at Denver Sluice (Tuesday 28th July).

Drainage of the Fens TalkWEDNESDAY 29TH JULY, 7PM – 8:30PM, FREE EARITH RECTOR’S HALL, COLNE ROAD, EARITH, HUNTINGDON PE28 3PX

Join Dr Peter Green of the National Trust for a talk on the drainage of the Fens, the importance of the Ouse Washes and the role it plays.

Places are limited. Please reserve yours by contacting Sara Marshall at sara.marshall@cambsacre.org.uk or 01353 865028.

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The Catching Cooking and Eating of Eels Installation, The Field Theatre GroupTUESDAY 21ST – FRIDAY 24TH JULY & WEDNESDAY 29TH JULY – SUNDAY 2ND AUGUST , 10AM – 4PM, FREE WIGEON CAFÉ, WWT WELNEY WETLAND CENTRE, HUNDRED FOOT BANK, WELNEY, NORFOLK PE14 9TN, TEL: 01353 860711

Set in a Fenland WW2 kitchen, the visitor will be able to sit at the kitchen table and engage through a pre-recorded soundscape a semi-fictionalised first person narration, of the catching, cooking and eating of eels as seen through the eyes of a young WW2 evacuee. The installation will help to highlight the historic importance of eels, eel fishing and consumption in the region.

You can also see this installation at the OuseFest Fun Day at Mepal Outdoor Centre (Saturday 25th July) and OuseFest at Denver Sluice (Tuesday 28th July).

In the lead up to the installation, there will also be a Jigglin’ & Snigglin’ Creative Writing Workshop held at Adams Heritage Centre, Littleport on Saturday 27th June, 10am – 3pm.

North Swavesey History WalkTUESDAY 21ST JULY, 7PM – 9PM, FREE SWAVESEY BUSWAY STOP, NORTH SWAVESEY, CAMBS

An official unveiling of the new noticeboard at Swavesey Busway Stop organised and managed by Swavesey Meridian Magazine. This will be followed by a history walk around North Swavesey covering the short distance from the north island to finish in Market Street on the south island, covering the history of the buildings and environmental features of the village on the way.

Please contact Christine and Selwyn Richardson on 01954 202974 to book your place.

Isle of Ely Open Churches TrailFRIDAY 31ST JULY, 10AM – 4PM, FREE PARISH CHURCHES OF COVENEY, SUTTON, WITCHAM & MEPAL

A rare opportunity to visit four fascinating medieval churches in the ancient Isle of Ely and within the Ouse Washes Landscape area. By special arrangement, the parish churches of Coveney, Sutton, Witcham and Mepal will be open throughout the day. The trail can easily be completed by car or bike, and might even be attempted on foot by the more adventurous.

Please check www.ousewashes.org.uk/ousefest for the downloadable Open Churches Trail map or pick one up from participating churches.

Ancient Human Occupation of Chatteris ExhibitionFROM SATURDAY 6TH JUNE, THURSDAYS 2PM – 4:30PM & SATURDAYS 10AM – 1PM, FREE CHATTERIS MUSEUM, 14 CHURCH LANE, CHATTERIS, CAMBS PE16 6JA, TEL: 01354 696319

Come along and see this fascinating range of artefacts brought together for the first time. Handle a replica Bronze Age spear shield and rapier and see the 3,000 year old originals! Explore the exhibits from the earliest occupants of Chatteris, their tools and implements from 1,000,000 to 43 AD.

Coveney Parish Church © Diocese of Ely

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Writing the Fens: An Evening with Jim Kelly, Jill Dawson and Alison Bruce, Topping & CoWEDNESDAY 22ND JULY, 7:10PM ST PETER’S CHURCH, BROAD STREET, ELY, CAMBS CB7 4BB

Join three of our favourite local writers, Jim Kelly, Jill Dawson and Alison Bruce, in a celebration of the extraordinarily rich creative world of the Fens. Jim, Jill and

Alison will be talking about their own Fen writing, and discussing the unique lure of our environment for writers. Come along to hear all about their work, and their passion for our countryside.

Tickets: £6/7 (redeemable against sale of any book from the authors on the night). Available from Topping & Co, Tel: 01353 645005 or www.toppingbooks.co.uk.

Children’s Author Victor WatsonFRIDAY 31ST JULY, 10:30AM – 11:30AM ELY LIBRARY, 6 THE CLOISTERS, ELY, CAMBS CB7 4ZH

Victor Watson, award-winning author of the Paradise Barn series, will be speaking about his childhood in Littleport during WWII and how it inspired the events in his books. Copies of his books will be available to buy and Victor will be happy to sign them.

The event is suitable for children aged 8+ years. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Tickets: £1 (redeemable against sale of Victor’s book). Available from Ely Library, Tel: 01353 616170.

An Audience with Alison BruceMONDAY 27TH JULY, 2PM – 3PM DOWNHAM MARKET LIBRARY, PRIORY CENTRE, 78 PRIORY RD, DOWNHAM MARKET PE38 9JS

Alison Bruce, author of the DC Goodhew Novels set in the Cambridge area, will be visiting Downham Market Library to talk about her work and sign copies of her books.

Tickets: £3 including refreshments. Booking essential. Available from Downham Market Library, Tel: 01366 383073.

OuseFest Read: Fancy trying a book set in the local area? Go along to Downham Market Library anytime during OuseFest where there will be a selection of fantastic OuseFest local reads for you to enjoy! You can borrow up to 15 books for 3 weeks - joining the library is free.

Fen Landscapes in Glass ExhibitionMONDAY 8TH JUNE – FRIDAY 31ST JULY, 10:30AM – 5PM (SUNDAYS NOON – 4PM), FREE, THE STAINED GLASS MUSEUM, THE SOUTH TRIFORIUM, ELY CATHEDRAL, ELY, CAMBS CB7 4DL, TEL: 01353 660347

To celebrate OuseFest, The Stained Glass Museum are hosting an exhibition of Fen Landscapes in fused glass by local glass artist and illustrator Althea Braithwaite. The Fenland Landscape has provided much inspiration for Althea, who says “I have always been fascinated by the beautifully coloured shadows which light makes as it shines through glass and the wide land and skyscapes of the Fens make excellent subjects for pictures in glass”.

Alison Bruce © Alison Bruce

The events in this programme may be subject to changes. Please check our website for updates: www.ousewashes.org.uk/ousefest

Jigglin’ & Snigglin’ Creative Writing WorkshopSATURDAY 27TH JUNE, 10AM – 3PM, ADAMS HERITAGE CENTRE, 17 MAIN STREET, LITTLEPORT, CAMBS

www.fieldtheatregroup.btck.co.uk

Mepal & Witcham Primary School Summer FeteSATURDAY 4TH JULY

Including a performance of the Molly Dance and song pupils have learned as part of their Ouse Washes Landscape Partnership project.

Welney Water GalaSATURDAY 18TH JULY

Including a performance of the Molly Dance learned as part of our Ouse Washes Landscape Partnership project plus raft races, history displays and much more!

Cambridge Open Studios – Riverside Arts11TH, 12TH, 18TH, 19TH JULY, NEW FROM OLD WORKSHOP, ENGINE HOUSE, WHITE HOUSE ROAD, LITTLE OUSE, ELY, CAMBS CB7 4TG

www.camopenstudios.co.uk/open-studios/597

Bat Discovery Evening at National Trust Wicken FenSATURDAY 25TH JULY, 8PM – 11PM, CALL 0884 4249 1895 TO BOOK

With bat experts and rangers on hand. £8 adult / £4 child

Circuit of The FensSATURDAY 25TH JULY

Fenland has its very own cycling extravaganza.

www.circuitoffens.co.uk

Other Local Events to Watch Out For

River Great Ouse © matthew thomas

For more information on these events and to find out more things to do in the Ouse Washes Landscape, please visit our What’s On Calendar: www.ousewashes.org.uk/whats-on

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Earith Bulwark/Car Dyke Excavations with Cambridge Archaeological Unit10TH – 21TH AUGUST

www.cau.arch.cam.ac.uk

Fen Drayton Lakes Excavations with Cambridge Archaeological Unit17TH – 28TH AUGUST (OPEN DAY ON SATURDAY 29TH AUGUST)

www.cau.arch.cam.ac.uk

For volunteer opportunities, please check our Volunteer Hub at www.ousewashes.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer-hub

Electrifying The Ouse Challenge28TH – 31ST AUGUST

Cruising challenge, aimed at promoting boating on the River Great Ouse by the use of electric, hybrid and solar energy on ecological and economic grounds.

www.electric-boat-association.org.uk

Ouse Washes ExperienceSUNDAY 20TH SEPTEMBER

A unique opportunity to ride/run the Ouse Washes starting at WWT Welney Wetland Centre, enjoying outdoor attractions, wildlife and raising money for charity.

www.walk-run-cycle.org.uk

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Ouse Washes Landscape PartnershipWhat we do

The Ouse Washes Landscape Partnership (OWLP) scheme is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund and aims to connect people with their landscape and heritage.

The OWLP consists of 28 partner organisations, spanning the public, private, voluntary and community sectors, covering a range of interests. The OWLP scheme works to provide opportunities for people to engage with and experience the Ouse Washes area. Through improved access, information sources and community engagement it aims to encourage people to visit, appreciate and learn about the landscape and its unique biodiversity and heritage, whilst promoting the area as a visitor destination.

The Ouse Washes Landscape

The OWLP scheme focuses on the heart of the Cambridgeshire and Norfolk Fens including the Ouse Washes, Fen Drayton Lakes and Ouse Fen wetland reserves, of particular importance to wildfowl.

The open rural landscape and straight lines generate a feeling of remoteness and tranquillity. The OWLP area has a distinct character and sense of place with its unique and nationally significant drainage engineering history, wetland habitat network and rich archaeology and social history.

Find out more!www.ousewashes.org.uk

 Ouse Washes Landscape Partnership

@ousewasheslp  @OuseFest

The Ouse Washes © Paul Constable @prconstable

OuseFest and OWLP are managed by Cambridgeshire ACRE. Cambridgeshire ACRE is registered in England as a charity (no 1074032) and a company limited by guarantee (no 3690881).