Wildfire risk
With wildfire risk currently extremely high, we urge visitors to take extra care by avoiding any activity that could start a fire and immediately reporting any signs of smoke or fire to 999 to help protect people and wildlife. Please note, some of our nature reserves are closed due to wildfires, please check before you travel.
Advice on wildfire preventionThu 30 July 2026 12:00 Days out
Nene Washes
EldernellOpenSee opening timesEscape to the Nene Washes in spring and summer for a walk along the wash bank with fine views over the flood plain meadows. Or venture out in winter and discover a flooded landscape, alive with waterfowl.
About
The Nene Washes is a huge washland for the River Nene, in Cambridgeshire. We look after 800 hectares of the 1,522 hectare site, and it's one of the few remaining areas of washland in the UK. In the summer, the area is mostly grassland with wildflowers, while come winter, much of the area is flooded, providing safe haven and foraging for thousands of birds.
Snipe can be seen at Nene Washes all year-round, but are easiest to see in spring. It's also an excellent spot to watch birds of prey, with Marsh Harriers and Hobbies in summer, and Hen Harriers and Peregrines in winter. Short-eared Owls are a joy to watch hunting over the grasslands here in winter.
Cranes have been nesting on the Washes since 2010 and form flocks outside the breeding season. It's also the most important site in the UK for breeding Black-tailed Godwits.
At a glance
20 spaces. Parking at Eldernell Sluice on South Barrier Bank (Environment Agency owned). Firm, level, hardcore surface. No height restrictions. No lighting. Not locked.
There are no toilets here. The nearest public toilets are in Whittlesey around 4 miles away.
There are no toilets here. The nearest public toilets are in Whittlesey around 4 miles away.
Prior to your visit, please contact the reserve directly for detailed information. The South Barrier Bank is accessed via a gentle slope. There are narrow kissing gates on top of the bank which is flat and grassy.
Prior to your visit, please contact the reserve directly for detailed information. The South Barrier Bank is accessed via a gentle slope. There are narrow kissing gates on top of the bank which is flat and grassy.
There are no toilets here. The nearest public toilets are in Whittlesey around 4 miles away.
BBQs are a fire risk, endangering other people and the precious wildlife and habitats here. They are not permitted on the reserve at any time.
The south barrier bank is used by dog walkers but sheep are present.
Assistance dogs are welcome to use adjacent paths.
See what’s here
Contact Nene Washes
peter.beckenham@rspb.org.uk Eldernell Lane, Coates, ne Whittlesey, Cambs, Cambridgeshire, PE7 2DD 01733 205140