RSPB Lakenheath Fen

RSPB Lakenheath Fen Protecting and restoring habitats, saving species and helping
end the nature and climate emergency.

For our latest wildlife sightings from the reserve, please visit:
www.rspb.org.uk/days-out/reserves/lakenheath-fen

This week has been great on the reserve for seeing our classic wetland birds like Bittern, Bearded Tit, Marsh Harrier, K...
29/05/2026

This week has been great on the reserve for seeing our classic wetland birds like Bittern, Bearded Tit, Marsh Harrier, Kingfisher and a few Hobbies too. There have also been Redshank, Lapwing, Curlew, Avocet and Greenshank all seen easily on the Washland today.

With Little Tern, Black Tern, Red-footed Falcon, Osprey and Great Reed Warbler all recorded here so far in May, we never know what is around the corner in terms of more unusual birds, too.

Here is a stunning female Scarce Chaser who has her lookout post near the new dipping pond- this photo was taken a few minutes ago. There is beauty everywhere you look on the reserve at the moment!

Photo credit: Heidi Jones

These beautiful Bittern photos have been shared with us by Les Bunyan, who took them whilst he was volunteering with us ...
27/05/2026

These beautiful Bittern photos have been shared with us by Les Bunyan, who took them whilst he was volunteering with us yesterday (26 May) on our weekly early morning survey.

Although males are now booming a bit less as we progress through the season, it is easier to see a Bittern now, as they pursue each other and argue over territory and mates.

Joist Fen Viewpoint and Mere Hide have been particularly good spots lately!

Yesterday (23 May) we had a report of a Red-footed Falcon flying high over the visitor car park. If you visit us today o...
24/05/2026

Yesterday (23 May) we had a report of a Red-footed Falcon flying high over the visitor car park. If you visit us today or in the coming days, keep an eye out in the skies above, particularly if you see any Hobbies which they do often mix with.

These photos are from 2013, when David Carr kindly sent us in his images of a Red-footed Falcon we had then- so this shows you what to look for- ours (if confirmed) should look like this, as it was also an adult male with the red markings you see here.

The lovely Trevor from RSPB Titchwell Marsh is at RSPB Lakenheath Fen until around around 3pm today, giving sound advice...
24/05/2026

The lovely Trevor from RSPB Titchwell Marsh is at RSPB Lakenheath Fen until around around 3pm today, giving sound advice about optics and he has a range of different models on display from a selection of great brands, like Swarovski, Zeiss, RSPB and Viking, to suit a range of budgets.

If you'd like to see a good variety of optics in person, try some out and have your questions answered, why not pop down and see us? Trevor is sited just outside the Visitor Centre, and is set up for you to make any purchases too.

These beautiful images show the progress of spring on the reserve recently. We are full of singing birds and young lives...
17/05/2026

These beautiful images show the progress of spring on the reserve recently. We are full of singing birds and young lives that are just beginning. Bitterns have been showing very well, particularly at Joist Fen and from Mere Hide, where Bearded T**s have also been seen.

We hope you enjoy looking through this selection shared with us by Nick Dennis.

On Sunday 24 May, we will have Trevor from RSPB Titchwell Marsh here for an Optics Day, and he will be bringing a range ...
16/05/2026

On Sunday 24 May, we will have Trevor from RSPB Titchwell Marsh here for an Optics Day, and he will be bringing a range of binoculars and telescopes for visitors to try before they buy. These events can be a great opportunity to ask questions and receive sound advice about optics too.

If you'd like to join us, Trevor will be here from around 10am to 4pm in the Visitor Centre. If there is a particular model you'd like to look at, please contact [email protected], who will be happy to bring anything from the RSPB, Viking, Zeiss, Swarovski, Leica, Kite or Kowa ranges. 🌿

On 12 May we recorded our first Black Tern of the season, and a couple of days before, a volunteer using the Merlin app ...
15/05/2026

On 12 May we recorded our first Black Tern of the season, and a couple of days before, a volunteer using the Merlin app detected one which we couldn't hear or see at the time, so it looks like one or more have been in the area for a few days.

Keep an eye out for them if you visit soon, especially over the Washland. They hunt for insects, rather than fish like the Common Terns which are also here now.

Here are a couple of photos by Ian Goodall from a few years ago on the reserve, so you know what to look for!

Here are a selection of beautiful photographs taken on the reserve earlier this month, kindly shared with us by Cathy Ry...
13/05/2026

Here are a selection of beautiful photographs taken on the reserve earlier this month, kindly shared with us by Cathy Ryden.

There is a huge variety of life here at Lakenheath Fen- keep your eye on the nettle patches as you walk around, as they support so many different insects and spiders, many of which are really beautiful.

Address

RSPB Lakenheath Fen Visitor Centre, Station Road
Lakenheath
IP279AD

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4pm
Tuesday 9am - 4pm
Wednesday 9am - 4pm
Thursday 9am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 4pm
Saturday 9am - 4pm
Sunday 9am - 4pm

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