There are a number of reed beds at Wicken. In the past the undrained fens would have been covered in large areas of reed. Today the largest area of reed at Wicken is on Adventurer's Fen. Reeds have few other plants growing among them and they dominate the areas they grow in. They are a good habitat for insects, some of which only live in reeds. A number of birds also like them as well such as the bearded tit, marsh harrier and bittern. The last two usually need reed to breed.
