Background 

The Fenlands, or Fens, is a marshland located in eastern England renowned for its abundant ecology. Originally, the Fenland was comprised of fresh or saltwater wetlands. But these wetlands have subsequently been drained to protect the region from floods. By protecting the region from floods, the government can ensure that the land remains arable for agricultural purposes. The Fenlands have the nickname the "Holy Land of the English" due to the many resident monasteries, churches, and cathedrals. 

In the Context of John Clare's "The Fens" 

Using rich descriptions of color, "in coat of orange green and blue" coupled with profound naturalistic imagery "Among the tawny tasseled reed / The ducks and duckings float and feed," John Carle’s poem "The Fens" serves as an observational piece describing the natural beauty of Fenlands. The poem is written from the perspective of Clare and meditates on the value of nature in the geographical context of the Fenlands.