About rural Cambridgeshire

Cambridgeshire is defined by the flat, open expanses of the Fens — a landscape of big skies, straight drains, and some of the most productive farmland in Europe. But its rural character also includes ancient woodland, undulating chalk hills in the south, and a network of traditional villages where agriculture still forms the backbone of daily life.

The Fens dominate the north and east of the county. Here, rich black soil supports vast fields of cereals, vegetables, and sugar beet, with farming carried out on a large, commercial scale. The landscape is criss-crossed by dykes and drainage ditches, with few hedges and an open, expansive feel.

In contrast, the south offers a more intimate rural setting, especially in villages like Grantchester, Barrington, and Fulbourn. Here, smaller mixed farms, paddocks, and orchards contribute to a rural mosaic of livestock, local food, and conservation.

Cambridgeshire also retains remnants of ancient forest — notably Wimpole Estate and Hardwick Wood — and has seen growing investment in community farming and biodiversity initiatives.

Despite its global reputation for research and innovation, the county remains firmly anchored in the land — with agriculture, history, and stewardship woven into its fields and waterways.