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The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
Close-up of reeds, Ouse Washes RSPB reserve Garganey Panoramic view, Ouse Washes RSPB reserve
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Ouse Washes

Ouse Washes

  • About Ouse Washes
  • Star species
  • Seasonal highlights
  • Facilities
  • Accessibility
  • How to get here
  • Our work here
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Home > Reserves > Reserves by name > O > Ouse Washes

Whooper swan swimming

ParkingDisabled accessToiletsPicnic tables

Wide open fens have a magic of their own: the Ouse Washes cut across them with a long, straight stretch of wetland between artificial channels. Tens of thousands of ducks are attracted to this remote location in winter, as well as the largest concentration of Bewick's and whooper swans anywhere in the UK.

Opening times

The birdwatching hides are open at all times. The visitor centre is open from 9 am to 5 pm every day except Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Entrance charges

Free, but donations to help us continue our work here are welcome.

Fens through a Lens

You can take part in our photography competition, Fens through a Lens. More information: http://www.rspb.org.uk/news/details.asp?id=tcm:9-170273

 

Contact us

01354 680212

ouse.washes@rspb.org.uk

Nearest town: Chatteris, Cambridgeshire

Grid reference: TL471860

Directions

For directions, please see our How to get here page.

About the RSPB

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Latest news

Eggs-actly what we hoped for!

A pair of rare hen harriers is incubating six eggs at a nest site in Northumberland’s North Tynedale, the RSPB and Forestry Commission announced today (7 May 2008).

National Ethical Investment Week

As a supporter of green and ethical investment, the RSPB is supporting National Ethical Investment Week 2008.

On a wing and a prayer

A coalition of conservation, countryside and welfare groups has called for increased efforts to tackle the illegal killing of the UK’s birds of prey.

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© 2008 The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Charity registered in England and Wales no 207076, in Scotland no SC037654
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Last published: 06/03/2008 17:14:21
Show/hide picture credits
Whooper swan swimming - Steve Round
Close-up of reeds, Ouse Washes RSPB reserve - Andy Hay (rspb-images.com, Ref: 1010280)
Garganey - Graham Catley
Panoramic view, Ouse Washes RSPB reserve - Andy Hay (rspb-images.com, Ref: 1010279)
Bird illustrations by Mike Langman (RSPB)