The RSPB: Fairburn Ings

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Weather today

23°C

Where is it?

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Plan a visit

Grey herons at St Albans (Aren't birds brilliant!)

Aerial view of RSPB Fairburn Ings nature reserve

Male goldeneye displaying, head thrown back

Fairburn Ings

Wildlife awards

Fairburn Ings is one of the best places for wildlife in the UK.

SSSI

Top things to do in Spring

Come for a spot of pond dipping or mini-beasting and see what creepy crawlies you can find
View our amazing heronry and watch the herons claim their nests and raise their young
All the wildlife is gearing up for nesting season - come and see our nestbox cam or look out for chicks on the reserve

Top things to do in Summer

Buy a packet of duck food and give our ducks and swans a tasty treat
Enjoy an ice cream or picnic on the grass outside the visitor centre
Watch the dragonflies and butterflies basking on the paths - or even join us on a safari to take a closer look!

Top things to do in Autumn

Take a stroll around the reserve and crunch the leaves under your feet whilst taking in the vibrant autumnal colours of the trees
Catch a glimpse of a stunning kingfisher at our special watchpoint and if you're lucky you'll get that fantastic photo opportunity
Come and see the birds stop off on their journey south for the winter

Top things to do in Winter

Enjoy a nice hot cuppa and a piece of cake whilst watching the garden birds on our feeders
Blow off the cobwebs with a brisk walk through the reserve in its winter wonderland setting
Lots of wintering ducks love to come to the reserve - look out for smews, goosanders and goldeneyes on Main Lake

What's on?

26 May
Paul Miguel Photography Workshop - SORRY,FULLY BOOKED. New date to be added soon
Course, class or workshop
27 May and 3 June
Dawn Chorus Walk
Guided walk
27 May
Optics Day
Course, class or workshop

More events...

Visitor comments

I think Fairburn Ings is brilliant! It has a fabulous pond dipping station which me and my sister couldn't draw ourselves away from. While you are sat eating your lunch you can watch regular and sometimes rare birds from really close up feeders! Also the staff are friendly and there is an ace gift shop selling everything from books to feeders. I think it is a fab place for a family day out and I will defo go again!
Ella Wilson

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