FARMER and BBC Countryfile presenter Adam Henson described Fenland as “a hidden gem,” after touring the district today, as part of an event to launch the new Cambridgeshire Fens tourism website.
“There is so much to see and do, and it’s great that a new Fenland Tourism Board has been formed to give the area a boost,” he said.
“There is a real buzz of excitement, and I hope the new website will start something great for Fenland, it really can’t fail.
“There is certainly scope for more tourism in Fenland, what has struck me has been the amazing skies and the incredible landscape.”
Adam’s day in the Fens began at Fenland Hall in March, where members of the tourism board welcomed residents involved in tourism, from caravan site owners to boat yard owners, to see the website officially going live.
Also launched were the new town trail mini guides for March, Wisbech, Chatteris and Whittlesey, and the new Fens visitor and accommodation guide.
From Fenland Hall, Adam went to moorings in March town centre, where he climbed aboard a 35 foot long narrow boat belonging to Fox Narrowboats in March.
“The boat trip was a great treat,” said Adam, who took the chance to take over the tiller as the craft made its way along the River Nene. “It was definitely one of the highlights of the day.”
After getting back on dry land, Adam was taken to Manor Farm at Doddington, where he met the Mair family who have 26 pedigree Highland cattle, and farm 740 acres of arable land, growing wheat, rape and beans.
Adam also has Highland cattle – Countryfile viewers will remember his bull called Eric – and he quickly pulled on a pair of boots so he could climb over a fence and take a close up look at the herd.
“It was lovely to see the Highland cattle, I was expecting to see sugar beet and carrots in the Fens, but not cows,” he joked.
Last stop of the day was a visit to the Skylark Country Store and Garden Centre at Wimblington, where Adam and members of the Tourism Board were treated to a hearty Fenland breakfast brunch.
Robin Gowler from Skylark said: “We were thrilled to welcome Adam here, he is a very good advocate for farming.”
Adam – who farms 1600 acres and runs the Cotswold Farm Park that attracts 120,000 visitors a year alongside his TV career – had nothing but praise for Fenland’s tourism initiative.
“The Cambridgeshire Fens are a hidden gem,” he said. “People want to find out about what goes on in the countryside and I wish Fenland every success. Even though children are keen on computer games, they still want to get out in the great outdoors.”
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