The Ouse Washes forms the largest area of washland (grazing pasture that floods in the winter) in the UK. It is an area which holds SSSI, Ramsar and Natura 2000 status. We are maintaining the wet grassland for birds all year round. In summer, the Ouse Washes attract huge numbers of nationally important wading birds, such as lapwing and black-tailed godwit. We are maintaining the ditches and open watercourses for their plant life, and managing the osier beds, mature willows and hawthorn hedgerows for their invertebrate communities There is a visitor centre, refreshments, car park, toilets, wildlife walks and picnic areas. Dogs are permitted on the paths but the site is not always suitable for dogs due to the presence of cattle.
In terms of birding, you can never really know which species you are going to discover, especially during migration times. However there are less hides now than there used to be so to get to the first one going north requires a long walk with not many birds on the way. First hide okay but not good for waders. The second hide (Cadbury Hide) by far the best on my visit. Quite exciting, great for waders and plenty of birds to scan through. But you definitely need a scope to get the best out of this reserve, and I can't stress that enough. Third hide not accessible because path flooded. The approach road from Manea village down to the Welches Dam visitor centre is very poor it is sinking in many places so you have to drive slowly and very carefully.
RSPB Ouse Washes has level-access hides which look out across the washes, the rivers and the farmland beyond. There is a car park with toilets and a small visitor centre. The setting is stunning and it is a real oasis of bird life. We saw a rare night heron and a Merlin within a few minutes.
The only way to experience the Fens is to be there. Take time. As long as you can. The new RSPB hides are a stunning addition to this special part of the world, very reminisicent of those Mayan temples that overlooked a mysterious and ancient, long-forgotten civilisation. The Fens. They're that as well, part of a tale as old as time.
Had to go here for work took ten minutes to enjoy the surroundings. Nature at its finest. Only downside is the road here it's not very car friendly especially if it's low.
This is a new area . there are a few New hides and not many people . the winter birds are here now . :D
Lovely place with fantastic views and interesting walks. When the conditions are right (high water) the hides place you right in the midst of some varied wildlife.
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Assistive hearing loop
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Hiking
Public toilet
LGBTQ+ friendly
Good for kids
Kid-friendly hikes
Dogs allowed
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In terms of birding, you can never really know which species you are going to discover, especially during migration times. However there are less hides now than there used to be so to get to the first one going north requires a long walk with not many birds on the way. First hide okay but not good for waders. The second hide (Cadbury Hide) by far the best on my visit. Quite exciting, great for waders and plenty of birds to scan through. But you definitely need a scope to get the best out of this reserve, and I can't stress that enough. Third hide not accessible because path flooded. The approach road from Manea village down to the Welches Dam visitor centre is very poor it is sinking in many places so you have to drive slowly and very carefully.
RSPB Ouse Washes has level-access hides which look out across the washes, the rivers and the farmland beyond. There is a car park with toilets and a small visitor centre. The setting is stunning and it is a real oasis of bird life. We saw a rare night heron and a Merlin within a few minutes.
The only way to experience the Fens is to be there. Take time. As long as you can. The new RSPB hides are a stunning addition to this special part of the world, very reminisicent of those Mayan temples that overlooked a mysterious and ancient, long-forgotten civilisation. The Fens. They're that as well, part of a tale as old as time.
Had to go here for work took ten minutes to enjoy the surroundings. Nature at its finest. Only downside is the road here it's not very car friendly especially if it's low.
This is a new area . there are a few New hides and not many people . the winter birds are here now . :D
Lovely place with fantastic views and interesting walks. When the conditions are right (high water) the hides place you right in the midst of some varied wildlife.
