Fowlmere

We are working hard to make our nature reserves safe and ready for our staff, visitors and wildlife. Although most of our sites with visitor facilities are currently closed, we have started opening those where is it safe and practical to do so. Please see our COVID-19 updates page for the latest information (link below).

Address: RSPB Fowlmere, Mill Rd, Royston SG8 6EZ

Grid ref: TL406461

See our updates page for the latest coronavirus information.

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

Open at all times.

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

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

16 degrees, Sunny day

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

RSPB Fowlmere, Mill Rd, Royston SG8 6EZ
fowlmere@rspb.org.uk
01767 693013
@RSPBFens
Find us on facebook

What will you see?

Our star species

Kingfisher

Kingfishers are a year-round attraction at Fowlmere.

Reed bunting

Reed buntings are most obvious in spring when the males sing from the tops of the reeds.

Sedge warbler

Another warbler that returns from Africa in spring, the sedge warbler is easy to see.

Turtle dove

Although less common, turtle doves can still be seen and heard at Fowlmere in the spring and summer.

Water rail

Can be seen when the water drops in late summer and autumn or onto ice in winter.

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.

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).

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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