22 February 2010

Cambridgeshire folk band raises the spirit of the Fen Tiger

A song, inspired by the creation of a major new wetland in Cambridgeshire, has been recorded by Over-based folk band, Hobson’s Voice.

The song was inspired by the Hanson-RSPB Wetland Project. Creating the Ouse Fen Nature Reserve, the project will restore 700 hectares of wetland habitats, after the sand and gravel has been removed from the agricultural landscape.

The song, Fen Tiger and the Quarryman, tells of a meeting between a quarry worker and the ghost-spirit of one of the ancient fen-dwellers. In the 17th Century, some of these folk fought violently against the drainage of the Fens and the destruction of their livelihoods. For their courageous fighting, they were nicknamed ‘Fen Tigers’.
RSPB Ouse Valley Reserves Manager, Andy Cotton, says: “It is wonderful to know that the new habitats being created by the Wetland Project have been so inspirational. The project is creating wetlands, many of which have been lost for hundreds of years, on a landscape scale.

“This song reflects not only the historical value of these wetlands, fen–dwellers living off the ‘fowl and fish’, but a more current value in the form of access, stress-relief and artistic inspiration.”

Band member, John Rees, says: “Legends in their own lifetime, Fen Tigers were real people, as we are. From my house, I saw the Hanson quarrymen toiling in all weathers. If a Fen Tiger were to speak to anyone today, it would surely be to such a rugged man as this. In my view, the Hanson-RSPB Wetland Project is a wonderfully-fitting response to the roar of the Fen Tiger! Those who hear this haunting song will understand.”

The band’s unique interpretation is an inspiration to us all. If you feel inspired to make a difference, you too can get your voice heard by signing the RSPB’s Letter to the Future by logging on to www.rspb.org.uk/lettertothefuture.

Fen Tiger and the Quarryman appears on the CD Bicycle City Light Blues. For more information, see www.hobsons-voice.co.uk
Information on the Hanson-RSPB Wetland Project can be found at www.rspb.org.uk/ousefen