FENS: The best place in the world to live

CLIVE S degradation of the fens is somewhat short sighted, his eyes dulled by a barrier of misrepresentation. For a hundred years a host of non-resident authors have written in glowing terms of the Fens, the expressive, expansive acres guardians of the mo

CLIVE'S degradation of the fens is somewhat short sighted, his eyes dulled by a barrier of misrepresentation.

For a hundred years a host of non-resident authors have written in glowing terms of the Fens, the expressive, expansive acres guardians of the most prolific rural history in the country. The Fens embody challenge, mystery and stoical defiance against nature and man's acquisitive intention.

It was the last area in the country to hold out against William the First and in the watery waste Oliver Cromwell formed the embryo adopted by modern armies worldwide. The Commonwealth was born here and the Fens are the last word in agricultural evolution.

Nothing to look at? Two great cathedrals grace the horizons and an abundance of outstanding churches testify to the skills of enterprising Fenmen and their faith. True Fenmen are the most stoical and determined of their kind and true to their kind can weigh up anyone in a thrice.

Clive's hurried assessment of the Fens stops short at what he sees. The wide horizons kissed by the three-quarter sky with its matchless sunsets and unique character enriched with tantalising mystery continues to inspire a great many inhabitants and visitors to well-known towns and cities and the increasingly popular waterways and wildlife centres.

Look around you, Clive. Admire the peacefulness of the country's most prolific acreage next time you visit the Fens and let it speak to you.

You do not have to have x-ray eyes to appreciate that.

TREVOR BEVIS

St Peter's Road

March