The former Cambridgeshire quarry now transformed into a ‘haven’ for wildlife

The former quarry is now a site of idyllic beauty and wildlife

Cambridgeshire is home to some beautiful natural spots that are full of wildlife and greenery. These are the perfect places to explore and get closer to nature.

With so many gorgeous natural spots to visit across Cambridgeshire, it makes it hard to decide what one to explore. One place that is described as “stunning” and a haven for wildlife by people who have visited is Fen Drayton Lakes in Huntingdonshire.

Before it became a hotspot for nature, the area was a working quarry. It was originally a floodplain meadow until it was mined for construction aggregates from the 1940s and until 1992.

After that, the deep pits on site were flooded and it became a wetland sanctuary. Today, it’s managed by the RSPB.

There is a huge variety of wildlife drawn to the nature reserve, including otters, dragonflies, ducks, swans, and geese. The RSPB website says: “You’re never far from water and wildlife here; it surrounds you wherever you wander.

“Explore the woods and catch glimpses of secluded bays and pools. You won’t be able to miss majestic Mute Swans on the lakes, but you’ll need to look a little harder to see the many colourful insects. The riverside meadows are alive with nature – reeds rustling, birds warbling, grasshoppers chirping and bees buzzing.”

There are different trails people can either bike or walk around Fen Drayton Lakes. The land is predominantly flat, so it makes it easier to walk around. Parking is available at the nature reserve and is payable by a phone app.