Fowlmere

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Address
RSPB Fowlmere, Mill Rd, Royston SG8 6EZ
Grid ref
TL406461

Fowlmere Nature Reserve (SSSI, 41ha) is a well-loved wildlife oasis set within farmland. Its former water-cress beds are now reedbed, fen, chalk grassland and scrub, while the area also holds a small but fine example of a chalk stream, one of the UK’s rarest habitats.

Plan your visit

Opening times

Open at all times.

Entrance charges

Free entrance to RSPB members
Yes
Adults
Free, however a donation is suggested
Children
Free, however a donation is suggested
Car park cost

Free parking for RSPB members

£2 for non members

Facilities

  • Visitor centre
  • Car park
  • Toilets
  • Accessible toilets
  • No Refreshments
  • Picnic area
  • Guided walks
  • Viewing point
  • Nature trails
  • Shop off-site

Accessibility

How to get here

By train

The nearest train station is Shepreth, approximately 2 miles (3.5 km) away.

By bus

The nearest bus stop is Dunsbridge Turnpike (outside Country Homes & Gardens), 1 mile (1.5 km) from the reserve.

By road

From the A10 (Cambridge to Royston) turn towards Fowlmere at the Fowlmere-Shepreth crossroads. After 1 mile (1.5 km), turn right by the cemetery. Follow road for 0.6 mile (1 km) and turn left into the reserve at the RSPB sign.

 

Sat nav POI file: If you have a satellite navigation system that can accept POI files, please see our POI page for a download link and instructions.

Get directions from Google Maps
RSPB reserves on Google Earth

Group booking information

Group bookings are accepted. Small groups can book guided walks by arrangement with the reserve team. Charges/donations apply.

Schools booking information

Seasonal spotter sheets for wildlife, trees and plants found on the reserve are available at weekends.

What will the weather be like?

7 degrees, Partly cloudy (day)

Check before you travel

Management and maintenance work is done by volunteers every Thursday. We try to minimise disturbance to visitors and wildlife, but some temporary disturbance may occur.

Downloads

Helping you find your way around. PDF, 795Kb

Fowlmere trail guide

Contact Fowlmere

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What will you see?

Our star species

Recent sightings

Andy Hay (rspb-images.com)

Find out about recent wildlife sightings at Fowlmere.

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Urgent Appeal

Save the turtle dove from UK extinction.

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Nature spectacles

Fowlmere is one of the best reserves in Eastern England to encounter breeding turtle doves. The small but beautiful River Shep is a fine example of a chalk stream, with brown trout and water voles.

Seasonal highlights

In spring and summer, Fowlmere is one of the best places in Eastern England to hear turtle doves purring. You can hear a wide variety of warblers singing, while little grebes and lapwings can be seen on the mere. Orchids flower in the meadows and barn owl chicks can be seen peeping from specially provided nest boxes. Large flocks of winter thrushes forage on the berry bushes in some years. It's possible to see water voles and occasionally otters.

In spring and summer, Fowlmere is one of the best places in Eastern England to hear turtle doves purring. You can hear a wide variety of warblers singing, while little grebes and lapwings can be seen on the mere. Orchids flower in the meadows and barn owl chicks can be seen peeping from specially provided nest boxes. Large flocks of winter thrushes forage on the berry bushes in some years. It's possible to see water voles and occasionally otters.

Autumn and winter are good times to see flocks of finches, buntings, thrushes and starlings roosting or feeding in the scrub, and catch a glimpse of a kingfisher and occasionally bittern or bearded tit. Brown trout breed in the chalk stream (River Shep).

Autumn and winter are good times to see flocks of finches, buntings, thrushes and starlings roosting or feeding in the scrub, and catch a glimpse of a kingfisher and occasionally bittern or bearded tit. Brown trout breed in the chalk stream (River Shep).

About Fowlmere

Habitat

Fowlmere Nature Reserve is a well-loved wildlife oasis set within farmland. Its former water-cress beds are now reedbed, fen, chalk grassland and scrub, home to breeding turtle dove, water rail and barn owl and winter roosts of reed bunting. Bearded tits and bitterns are found occasionally in winter, and otters and water voles are regularly seen. The reserve holds a small but fine example of a chalk stream, one of the UK’s rarest habitats.  

Conservation

We hold work parties here almost every week, carrying out work ranging from management of habitats for wildlife to maintenance of visitor facilities. 

Site information

Fowlmere, 41ha, is one of the best places for wildlife in the UK and an SSSI. 

Management and maintenance work is done by volunteers every Thursday. We try to minimise disturbance to visitors and wildlife, but some temporary disturbance may occur.

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