The Great Fen Ecotour

UPDATE - Our spare places for the bird ringing experience alone are now available to book here.

Join us on this exciting wildlife tour of the a unique area that was part of the last wilderness in lowland England. Take in the big skies and the diverse wildlife and habitats of this unique, but often overlooked, landscape as it is rejuvenated and restored. Learn more about its natural history while in search of some of the iconic wildlife that can be found amongst its reedbeds, lakes, water channels, and wildflower meadows. The tour will be led by Henry Stanier, Monitoring & Research Officer for the Wildlife Trust at the Great Fen.

On this one-day summer safari you will witness the wealth of wildlife gradually returning to an area nearly 5km wide and 11km long, from cuckoos and birds of prey, to water deer and great crested newts, and from butterflies and dragonflies, to a variety of special wetland plants. Take a look at the amazing moths you can find here from our moth traps. Transport is provided between sites.

Henry will guide you for a full day, on a series of walks, to help you explore and understand the extensive land under conservation restoration, such as Rymes Reedbed and Middle Farm, and also the two National Nature Reserves of Woodwalton Fen and Holme Fen.

You will visit land not open to the public and discover the past, present and future of wildlife conservation in the Fens; from Charles Rothschild in the early 20th century to the amazing restoration works and linking the land up thanks to the Peatland Progress!

You may also opt to join us for early morning bird ringing (6am start), when you will learn more about bird identification.

Main Tour - 9am - 5.30pm
Optional bird-ringing add-on 6am.
Full itinerary to be confirmed.

How to Book:

From the ticket options, choose whether you'd like to attend for only the main tour 9am-5.30pm, or also for the optional add-on at the start of the day.

Additional Information:

What to bring - Packed lunch and water bottle. (Hot drinks and snacks available at each return to Ramsey Heights.) Please bring your own binoculars if you wish, but we can provide these.

What to wear - Please be cautious of ticks and other biting insects, stinging nettles etc. Wear long sleeves and long trousers tucked into socks. Sensible closed-toe footwear such as walking boots. Bring a hat and sun cream if the weather is hot.

Mobility - No dogs permitted. No wheelchair access. Paths can be narrow and muddy. Toilet facilities available on returns to Ramsey Heights.

A photographer may be present at the event and taking pictures for Wildlife Trust BCN use so please let us know if you'd rather not be included. For children under 18, an adult will be asked to sign a media consent form.

Membership:

Enjoy discounts on many Wildlife Trust BCN and Great Fen events by becoming a member today!

"Joining your local Trust is one of the most important things you can do to make sure the species and habitats we love will be there for future generations to enjoy." - David Attenborough, President Emeritus of the Wildlife Trusts.

https://www.wildlifebcn.org/become-member

Images: Cuckoo - Jon Hawkins. Marsh Harrier - Chris Gomersall/2020VISION . Chinese water deer - Guy Pilkington. Scarce chaser - Philip Precey. Water Beetle - Richard Burkmar. Woodwalton Fen - Mark Hamblin/2020VISION. Drone image, Wildflowers - Henry Stanier.

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