England · five wildlife sites

Nature reserves & wildlife sites in Cambridgeshire

Explore these places for wildlife in Cambridgeshire. Seasonal notes suggest when to look; sightings are not guaranteed.

01 / 05

Wicken Fen

Near Wicken, near Soham

Habitat: Historic fenland with reedbeds, sedge beds, open water and wet grassland.
Wildlife to look for: Bittern (listen for booming in spring), hobby (summer), hairy dragonfly (spring–early summer), hen harrier (winter), short-eared owl (especially winter).

02 / 05

Near Little Paxton, near St Neots

Habitat: Former gravel pits with lakes, reedbeds, riverside meadows, scrub and woodland.
Wildlife to look for: Nightingale (listen in spring), cormorant, wigeon (winter), goldeneye (winter), pochard (especially winter).

03 / 05

Near Earith

Habitat: Expanding reedbeds and freshwater pools created from former sand and gravel workings.
Wildlife to look for: Bittern (elusive), marsh harrier, bearded tit, otter (elusive), barn owl (especially dawn or dusk).

04 / 05

Near Fen Drayton, near St Ives

Habitat: Flooded gravel pits surrounded by riverside meadows, wetland, scrub and woodland.
Wildlife to look for: Hobby (spring–summer), otter (elusive), great crested grebe (courtship in spring), mute swan, red admiral butterfly (warmer months).

05 / 05

Near Woodwalton, near Huntingdon

Habitat: Ancient broadleaf woodland with grassy clearings.
Wildlife to look for: Black hairstreak butterfly (June–early July), red kite, buzzard, tawny owl, muntjac deer.