Sheep's Green and Coe Fen
Two flood-meadow commons on either side of an arm of the Cam, managed together as a local nature reserve.
Sheep's Green and Coe Fen together form a local nature reserve of 16.9 hectares in the south of the city. They are grazing meadows, flooded in the wetter months, and Cambridge City Council owns and manages both. An arm of the River Cam splits them: Sheep's Green lies to the west, with a second arm of the river on its far side, and Coe Fen to the east.
Wildlife and landscape
The reserve's wetland setting attracts egrets, kingfishers, herons and other waterfowl, and water voles are reported to be increasing. There are many mature willows. When the ground is wet, the pattern of old streams meandering across Sheep's Green becomes visible. The ground is a flood plain, so some areas are prone to flooding.
Part of a green corridor
Cattle and sheep have traditionally grazed here. The meadows belong to a chain of open spaces following the river: further upstream are Grantchester Meadows, Skaters' Meadow and the Paradise reserve, while downstream the flood plain runs into The Backs and the heart of the city.
Practical notes
The Fen Causeway crosses both parts of the reserve and is the main point of access. Because the ground floods, expect soft or standing water after heavy rain.
Nearby
Within a few minutes' walk
