The Washes near Welney

The Washes are an area of land, stretching from St Ives, Cambridgeshire to Downham Market, Norfolk between the Old Bedford River and the New Bedford River. Covering over 2,500 linear hectares it is allowed to flood every winter to save surrounding areas from flooding. This has been in action since the 17th century and serves both as a flood protection area and an internationally important wildfowl and wetlands area. 
The extra probably gives a better indication of the spread of the area. 
It used to freeze over frequently. Back in the 19th century a local family called the Smarts dominated British ice skating. Turkey Smart was the first speed skater in the family followed by his sons Fish Smart and James Smart. It is said that James was the greatest skater of all, obviously not handicapped by having such a boring name. I was talking to a local man who can remember people skating on this area as recently as the 1970's. 
With climate change increasing we shall come to rely on these places more and more.