Anyone travelling in the Fens will never be far away from water systematically confined to a network of drains and ditches.

In the Fens, water – the relentless enemy – is controlled by a remarkably efficient drainage system, the finest in the country and, arguably, Europe. Centuries ago water flowed at will and spread over the marsh, forming pools and lakes.

Planned in the 17th Century, the great drainage scheme went forward in fits and starts and finally transformed the Fens into a prolific agricultural enterprise.