Fenland is an area in North East Cambridgeshire that comprises of a total area of 200 square miles. It comprises four market towns – the capital Wisbech, March, Chatteris and Whittlesey – along with numerous outlying villages. This atmospheric part of the United Kingdom covers a total area of over 200 square miles, much of which comprises expanses of artificially drained marshland. Along with its 2500-mile network of waterways, the region is famed for its flora – its bulb industry, carpets of daffodils in spring, apple orchards and summer flower festivals.

Being a predominantly rural area, the district’s urban parks and amenity areas have suffered some neglect in recent years. Together with Fenland District Council, Continental Landscapes intend to create a more pleasing, attractive and safe environment for residents and visitors alike. The contract includes general grounds maintenance and cemetery management in the Fenland market towns.

Formal areas to be maintained include St. Peters Garden Complex and the Crescent Gardens; these are situated in the Georgian part of Wisbech town and host the popular annual Rose Fair. This event has grown from humble origins when the town’s St. Peters Church sold rosebuds in it is gardens to raise funds for its restoration. Other churches and organisations have since joined in to make the fair one of the area’s largest attractions every July.

Nick Broad, Operations Manager North from Continental Landscapes commented, “We were very pleased to be awarded the Fenland contract that commenced on March 1st 2003. In particular much work has been undertaken to significantly improve standards in the cemeteries where a previously low standard had been set.”

Performance bonuses in the contract will ensure that the horticultural profile of Fenland is boosted along with the area’s growing tourist reputation.