(Last visited June 2021)
I absolutely adore this place, I’ve been going since I was a kid and it was one of the places we really missed during the first lockdown. It’s just so rich with wildlife – so many butterfly species in the summer we lost count. If you’re into your birds it’s amazing and there’s other wonderful wildlife such as otters. Pond dipping is available for booking (check website for details) and it’s a wonderful spot for a family walk.
🌿Length: Various routes. Our favourite route is the woodland trail, c.1.5 miles
🌿Café: Light refreshments for takeaway at the visitor centre kiosk – check website for updates
🌿Play area: No
🌿Pushchairs: No obstacles on the woodland trail, but a bit bumpy over grassy areas, particularly along the river. You can also get pretty far on an ‘out and back’ walk along the first part of the Fen Trail and the Woodland Trail. Full access statement on the website.
🌿Dogs: No
🌿Toilets: Yes – and baby change (masks required)
🌿Seats: Yes
🌿Picnic area: Yes
🌿Opening times: 9.30am-5pm
🌿Entrance fee: Visitor Centre closed but has a manned kiosk for payments (free for RSPB members and under 5s, £4.50 adults, £2.50 kids 5-17yrs (one child per family goes free). Free entrance for carers.
🌿Parking: free – NR13 4HS ///sounding.motive.lifeboats. Disabled parking available.
🌿Other: Fantastic wildlife, Highland cattle. Wave to boats on the river 👋 Peaceful but the occasional train rattling through the periphery of the reserve! You do need to cross the railway track to access the reserve so take care with little ones, but there are clear warning signals.
🌿Website: Good for updates and information. If you scroll down to “Downloads” there’s a great map of the site and routes: https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/strumpshaw-fen/
