Charles Darwin

Iris Wedgwood (1887-1982) was an author and naturalist who wrote a wonderful, illustrated book called ‘Fenland Rivers’ (1936). Her book raised the profile of the area, and encouraged people to visit, cherish and conserve the landscape.

Charles Darwin (1809-1882) is perhaps the most famous naturalist in history, well known for his expeditions to the Pacific, and of course writing ‘On the Origin of Species’. He started his life’s work as a naturalist in our project area, collecting specimens at Wicken Fen.

Both Wedgwood and Darwin are held as Fenland natural heroes, but Wedgwood is lauded for her greater local focus.