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
Fowlmere
FowlmereClosed | Opens tomorrowSee opening timesWalk the boardwalk path through the rustling reedbeds and settle into the hide to spot Otters, Kingfishers and Reed Buntings.
About
Fowlmere Nature Reserve is a well-loved wildlife oasis set within farmland. Its former water-cress beds are now reedbed, fen and scrub, home to breeding Turtle Doves, Water Rail and Barn Owls, as well as winter roosts of Reed Buntings. Bearded Tits and Bitterns are found occasionally in winter, and Otters and Water Voles are regularly seen. The small but beautiful River Shep is a fine example of a chalk stream, one of the UK’s rarest habitats, which is home to Brown Trout and Water Voles.
At a glance
Open daily, dawn-dusk. 35 spaces 1 Blue Badge space No height restrictions No lighting. Cycle racks available.
Our accessible toilet is situated by the Welcome Centre.
We don't have any baby changing facilities here. The nearest public baby change facilities are in Royston, around 6 miles away.
The level, circular walk around our trails makes Fowlmere the perfect place for a stroll in nature with a pushchair. You and the little ones can spot wildlife from the boardwalk, taking in the beautiful environment across the reserve and fresh air as you go.
No stiles or steps on trail. Most paths are on boardwalks and hard surfaces, designed to be wheelchair accessible. Other surfaces are uneven and can be soft and muddy after rain
One accessible, unisex toilet is available by the Welcome Centre.
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.
Dogs on leads can use only the private track along the eastern reserve boundary. Sorry, dogs are not permitted on the rest of the reserve, except assistance dogs, due to the sensitive wildlife and habitats here.
Assistance dogs are welcome in all parts of the reserve.
See what’s here
This is a great location to spot Kingfishers
The vibrant azure and copper feathers of the Kingfisher make them one of the UK’s most colourful and instantly recognisable birds. But blink and you’ll miss them – they dart along rivers and streams at high speeds. RSPB nature reserves and our care-taking teams provide safe wetland havens for these special birds and their fishy prey.
Contact Fowlmere
fowlmere@rspb.org.uk Fowlmere, Royston, Cambridgeshire, SG8 6EZ 01767 693013