RSPB Ouse Fen Nature Reserve
Europe's largest wetland restoration project: a former quarry reborn as the UK's biggest reedbed and a sanctuary for rare birds.
A transformative wetland reserve in Cambridgeshire where a former sand and gravel quarry is being reimagined as the UK's largest reedbed ecosystem. Spanning 700 hectares when complete, Ouse Fen attracts rare birds including Bitterns, Marsh Harriers, and European Cranes, alongside Water Voles and Otters. Twenty miles of walking trails wind through pools, ditches, and reedbeds, offering birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts exceptional opportunities for wildlife observation. Free admission and parking make this developing reserve an accessible destination for families, dog walkers, and solo visitors seeking peaceful immersion in restored fenland habitat.
A brief summary to RSPB Ouse Fen Reserve
- Shelford Rd, Huntingdon, Willingham, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 4 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 3 out of 5
- Monday 7 am-7 pm
- Tuesday 7 am-7 pm
- Wednesday 7 am-7 pm
- Thursday 7 am-7 pm
- Friday 7 am-7 pm
- Saturday 7 am-7 pm
- Sunday 7 am-7 pm
Local tips
- Visit at dawn or dusk for the best wildlife activity. Early morning light and reduced human activity increase chances of spotting Bitterns, Barn Owls, and other shy species. Bring binoculars and a camera with a telephoto lens for optimal birdwatching.
- Wear wellies or waterproof boots, especially after rain. Many walking routes become muddy and soft underfoot in wet conditions. Check weather forecasts before your visit and dress in layers, as fenland weather can change rapidly.
- Bring your own food, drinks, and snacks. There are no on-site facilities, though picnic areas with tables are available. Pack extra water and high-energy snacks if planning a long walk across the 20-mile trail network.
- Download the trail maps in advance or pick up printed versions at the entrance information panels. The reserve is large and paths can be confusing; maps prevent getting lost and help you plan walks suited to your fitness level.
- Keep dogs on leads at all times except in the designated off-lead area. The reserve is home to sensitive wildlife and livestock; disturbing animals wastes their energy and decreases survival chances. Always clean up after your dog.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Picnic Areas
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Trash Bins
Getting There
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By Car from Cambridge
From Cambridge city centre, travel northwest on the A1134, then continue onto the A14 towards Huntingdon. Exit onto the A1198 and follow signs for Willingham. Turn onto Shelford Road and continue for approximately 8 kilometres until you reach the main entrance car park on your left, just off the B1050 south of Earith. The journey takes approximately 25–35 minutes depending on traffic. Parking is free with 40 standard spaces and 6 Blue Badge accessible spaces available. A height barrier of 2.1 metres is in place.
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By Bus from Cambridge or Huntingdon
From Cambridge city centre, take bus service 9 or 10 towards Willingham; the journey takes approximately 35–45 minutes. Alight at Willingham and walk approximately 1.5 kilometres to the reserve entrance via Shelford Road. Alternatively, from Huntingdon, take a bus service to Earith (approximately 15–20 minutes), then walk approximately 1 kilometre to the entrance. Check local bus operator schedules for current timetables and fares, as services vary seasonally.
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By Bicycle from Earith or Willingham
Cycle access is best approached from Earith, approximately 1 kilometre away, or from Willingham, approximately 2 kilometres away. The reserve provides five bike racks at the main car park entrance. Routes are relatively flat, following fenland roads with minimal gradient. Journey times are approximately 10–15 minutes from either village. Fenland cycling can be exposed to wind, so plan accordingly.
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By Train and Bus from Cambridge or Huntingdon
The nearest railway stations are Cambridge and Huntingdon. From either station, take a bus service to Earith or Willingham (approximately 30–50 minutes depending on connections), then walk or cycle the final 1–2 kilometres to the reserve entrance. Train services run regularly throughout the day; check National Rail for timetables and fares. This option is ideal for visitors without access to a car.
RSPB Ouse Fen Reserve location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about RSPB Ouse Fen Reserve
A Quarry Transformed into Europe's Largest Wetland Conservation Project
Where the River Great Ouse spills into the Cambridgeshire Fens, one of Europe's most ambitious conservation partnerships is unfolding. RSPB Ouse Fen represents a groundbreaking collaboration between the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and Hanson UK, a construction aggregates company. Together, they are transforming an active sand and gravel quarry into a vibrant nature reserve that will ultimately span 700 hectares—equivalent to nearly 1,000 football pitches. This trailblazing project is the largest of its kind anywhere in Europe, demonstrating how industrial extraction and wildlife restoration can coexist through careful planning and shared vision. The quarrying operation will continue for approximately 30 years, during which over 28 million tonnes of sand and gravel will be extracted. Rather than waiting until extraction ends, the RSPB and Hanson work in tandem: as each quarried section is completed, dozers and dumpers are used to create the precise landscape features that wetland wildlife requires—ditches, channels, pools, and reedbeds. Each finished area is then handed to the RSPB for long-term management. When fully realized, Ouse Fen will feature a 460-hectare reedbed, the largest continuous reedbed in the United Kingdom, creating an unparalleled habitat for wetland species.Remarkable Wildlife Returns to the Fens
In just two decades of active restoration, Ouse Fen has already become a haven for species that were once common in the Fens but had vanished due to habitat loss. The reserve now hosts Marsh Harriers, Bearded Tits, Otters, and the notoriously elusive Bittern—a shy, booming-voiced bird that was nearly extinct in the UK. In 2021, an extraordinary 12 male Bitterns were recorded calling at Ouse Fen, a number that exceeds the entire UK population from 1997. European Cranes, with their distinctive bugling calls and graceful presence, have also returned to breed here, along with Water Voles and a thriving population of Chinese Water Deer. Seasonal visitors add further richness to the reserve's biodiversity. Spring brings Great Crested Grebes performing their elaborate courtship rituals on open water, while summer reveals Reed Buntings at their most vibrant. Autumn and winter transform the floodplain wetlands into gathering grounds for ducks, grebes, swans, and wading birds. Dawn and dusk visitors may glimpse Barn Owls hunting over grassland margins, and Little Egrets are now a regular sight. The reserve's mosaic of habitats—reedbeds, open water, ditches, wet grassland, and scrubby margins—allows wildlife to move freely and find precisely the conditions they need to thrive.Exploring the Reserve: Trails and Access
A network of 20 miles of walking paths is being developed across the reserve, offering visitors multiple ways to experience this evolving landscape. Four circular walks are available for download, with routes ranging from short, accessible strolls to longer explorations. The main entrance features a modern car park with 40 standard spaces and six Blue Badge accessible spaces, located just off the B1050 south of Earith. Adjacent to the entrance, a large mobility kissing gate provides access to a 200-meter accessible viewpoint with level grassy paths and gentle gradients, though surfaces may be soft and uneven after rain. Two accessible picnic tables are positioned at the start of the Lockspits Mere trail. Alternative access points include a car park at Needingworth and a rough-track entrance at Fen End in the village of Over, which provides access to the reserve south of the River Great Ouse. Way-marked paths and viewpoints guide visitors through these areas. Maps of walking routes are displayed on information panels throughout the site; wellies are recommended after rain, as some routes can become muddy. The reserve welcomes dogs on leads, with a dedicated off-lead dog walking area available for those seeking more freedom for their pets.Practical Information for Visitors
Admission to Ouse Fen is completely free for both RSPB members and non-members, with no advance booking required. The car park is open from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily, though the reserve itself is accessible during daylight hours. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own food and drink, with picnic areas available throughout the site. However, the reserve has no visitor centre, café, shop, or public toilets; the nearest public facilities are located at St Ives bus station, approximately 6 miles away. Binoculars are essential for serious birdwatching, and patience is rewarded with sightings of species found nowhere else in such concentration. Volunteers have been instrumental in the reserve's development, having hand-planted an astounding 130,000 reeds. The local community also contributed by creating trail maps to help visitors walk to the reserve from nearby villages. This collaborative spirit reflects the reserve's role not only as a wildlife haven but as a landscape for people—a place where conservation and public enjoyment are equally valued.Why Ouse Fen Matters for Climate and Biodiversity
The creation of Ouse Fen addresses two critical environmental crises simultaneously. Across the Fens, the drainage of wetlands for agriculture has caused peat soils to oxidize, releasing carbon that contributes to climate change. Simultaneously, the loss of wetland habitat has devastated species that depend on these ecosystems. By restoring 700 hectares of wetland, Ouse Fen replaces vital habitat while sequestering carbon in wet peat and vegetation. This landscape-scale approach to conservation demonstrates that industrial development and environmental restoration can be aligned through vision, partnership, and commitment to long-term stewardship.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Nature Escape
- Adventurous
For the architecture buff
- Parks & Gardens
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunrise Spots
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Instagrammable
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Eco-Friendly
- Nature Reserve
- Protected Area
- Wildlife Habitat
- Locally Managed
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Nature Escape
- Photowalk
- Cultural Heritage
- Mindfulness
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
- Requires Hike
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Pet Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
