Short birdwatching visit · Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust
Baston Fen
- Tier
- Good stop nearby
- Best season
- Winter
- Headline birds
- Wigeon · Teal · Mallard
- Parking
- After crossing concrete bridge park on the left; do not continue straight up track to bank.
- Hides
- Not stated by the operator
- Step-free
- Not suitable for wheelchairs; washland may flood.
Counter Drain Drove, near Baston · PE6 9PX
Baston Fen is a washland stop where the public River Glen bank gives an outlook across three washes. The Trust names Teal, Wigeon and Mallard among the winter ducks using the reserve. Water levels shape the experience: flooded ground can attract birds while limiting access, and the operator also describes spring changes as the water recedes. Watch from the public bank rather than attempting to cross the washes. Arrival needs attention to the operator’s directions: cross the concrete bridge and park on the left, rather than driving straight up the track towards the bank. This is an exposed walking visit without a visitor-centre circuit.
Birds and seasons
- Wigeon · Headline bird — Winter Source for Wigeon
- Teal · Headline bird — Winter Source for Teal
- Mallard · Headline bird — Winter Source for Mallard
Plan your visit
- Hides and viewpoints
- Not stated by the operator – check before travelling
- Paths
- Public Macmillan Way on River Glen bank overlooks the washes.
- Toilets
- Not stated by the operator – check before travelling
- Parking
- After crossing concrete bridge park on the left; do not continue straight up track to bank.
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead.
- Access notes
- Not suitable for wheelchairs; washland may flood.
- Step-free access
- Not suitable for wheelchairs; washland may flood.
Getting there: Use Counter Drain Drove and follow the operator’s bridge/parking instructions.
Sources
Social preview: original typographic artwork by Does Your Duck Quack.
Nearby special trips
- Ouse Fen · 31.1 straight-line miles
- Dersingham Bog National Nature Reserve · 32.8 straight-line miles
- Roydon Common and Tony Hallatt Memorial Reserve · 33.3 straight-line miles
Continue birding nearby
Nearest full guide: RSPB Nene Washes, 15.7 miles away in a straight line.
- Willow Tree Fen · 3.2 miles in a straight line
- Dole Wood · 3.3 miles in a straight line
- Deeping Lakes · 6.3 miles in a straight line