The area has a few bird hides that are ideal for birdwatching
With spring well on the way, you might be raring to get out into the countryside for a long walk. Whether you are interested in watching some wildlife or need somewhere to take the family to get some fresh air, Cambridgeshire has plenty of nature reserves to explore.
If you want somewhere new to take a walk at the start of spring, you might want to visit Woodwalton Fen National Nature Reserve. The site is owned by the Wildlife Trust BCN and managed by Natural England and is one of the only remaining areas of the ancient wild fens.
As Woodwalton Fen is a Site of Special Interest and a Special Area of Conservation, the reserve is home to thousands of species of animals and plants. Many of these cannot be found anywhere else in the country.
The nature reserve has three walking trails that you can follow depending on what you want to see on your visit. If you love birdwatching, try the Water Birds Trail that takes you to two bird hides and along the bank of the Great Raveley Drain.
Along the walk, you might be able to spot birds including reed buntings and sedge warblers as well as insects like pond snails and water beetles. If you are lucky, you could spot some otters by the Great Raveley Drain alongside common terns and kingfishers.
The Marsh Harrier Trail and the Bungalow Trail both go past the historic Rothschild Bungalow. It was built by Charles Rothschild, who is known as the “father of modern conservation”. The bungalow was built on stilts and used by Charles as a base for his field trips and activities like moth trapping.
After exploring the nature reserve and spending a few hours birdwatching, you could head to the nearby village of Bury to enjoy a meal in the White Lion. The pub is described as a ‘lively’ and ‘traditional’ pub that serves classic pub dishes.
Woodwalton Fen is just outside of Ramsey Height, around a 50-minute drive away from Cambridge via the A1307. There is a free car park for visitors to use.

