Short birdwatching visit · RSPB
Ouse Fen
Earith · PE28 3PS
Ouse Fen is a large developing wetland beside the River Great Ouse, created as sand and gravel extraction finishes in successive areas. Reedbeds, pools and grassy margins already support Marsh Harrier, Bittern and Bearded Tit, with Great Crested Grebe on open water. It gives a different experience from a compact hide reserve: trails lead to open viewpoints across a wide working landscape. The short accessible approach can suit a brief visit, while the longer grassy loops offer more time to scan the meres. Follow the current trail map and take particular care at quarry access crossings.
Birds and seasons
- Marsh Harrier — Typically year-round
- Bittern — Typically year-round
- Bearded Tit — Typically year-round
- Great Crested Grebe — Typically year-round; display in spring
Plan your visit
- Hides and viewpoints
- Several raised open viewpoints overlook the meres and reedbeds.
- Paths
- Lockspits Mere and Crane’s Fen offer one-mile and two-mile grassy routes.
- Toilets
- No reserve toilets.
- Parking
- The gated car park has 40 spaces, six Blue Badge bays, cycle racks and a height barrier.
- Dogs
- Dogs must be on leads on reserve routes; an off-lead area is provided separately.
- Accessibility
- A 200-metre accessible approach reaches the first viewpoint; longer grass paths can soften in rain.
Getting there: The signed car park is off the B1050 between Earith and Willingham.
Sources
Social preview photograph: Common Starling standing in grass in Oxfordshire. Charles J. Sharp · CC BY-SA 3.0. Resized and converted for the preview.
Continue birding nearby
Nearest full guide: RSPB Fen Drayton Lakes, 4.3 miles away in a straight line.