Industry in the landscape

On the eastern edge of Whittlesey there is an industrial zone, which processes tow of the local natural resources. In the distance are the tall chimneys of the King's Dyke brickworks, belching out rather sulphurous looking smoke. There is a very extensive deposit of Oxford Clay locally, which contains just the right amount of organic matter to make excellent bricks. The brick industry has been present for over 100 years, and was once much more extensive. Indeed large parts of London were built using bricks made from Peterborough clay! In the foreground you can just see the conveyor for the newest quarry at Must Farm, which will continue working for quite a few more years.Some of the worked out pits are now being managed as nature reserves, and support a considerable number of rare species - they are certainly much more interesting ecologically than the arable land they're replacing.

The smaller chimneys, belching out steam, are part of the McCain's factory, which processes local potatoes grown in the rich fen soils into chips and other potato products. If the wind is in the right direction the smell of frying can be quite overpowering! The wind turbine is one of three that were erected to meet the electricity requirements of the factory and are a major local feature. The scene isn't quite as idyllic as their television adverts would suggest.