RSPB Strumpshaw Fen

24/08/2026

Running out of things to do to keep the kids entertained? Become a nature detective with us. Discover what owls eat with our hands on owl pellet dissection.

Carry on your adventure with our tracks and signs passport and see what other clues you can find out on the reserve about the other wildlife living here. Fun and educational!

Book your space now 👉https://events.rspb.org.uk/events/163420

22/08/2026

Weekly sightings

It's been a slightly quieter week in the fen. However, it has been nice to see the return of Kingfishers to outside Reception hide, with sightings most days.

Insects are still being seen in the brighter spells, including various dragonflies and damselflies. Sighting board with full list of recent sighting in photos.

📸Kingfisher, Bee Wolf wasp, Ruby tailed wasp and Migrant Hawker. Photo credit: Elizabeth Dack.

20/08/2026

Unfortunately, despite a bit more rain this week our ponds are still dried up. Pond dipping hire will not return this summer.

However, we still have lots to keep you and your family entertained.

🌟🐉 Complete our dragon treasure trail £3.50

🕵️‍♀️ Hire one of our Nature quest back packs £6 with all the equipment you need to explore nature on our reserve.

Normal reserve entry fees for non RSPB members.

19/08/2026

Looking for something fun to do with your tribe this weekend? We still have spaces on our bush craft event.

Join us for lots of fun activities such as whittling, scavenger hunt, opportunity to learn some knots and put up a shelter, make some nature crafts.

Don't miss out book your space now 👉
https://events.rspb.org.uk/events/167368

Due to the continuing high risk of fire at this time, the event will not have any activities related to fire lighting. Thank you for your understanding.

14/08/2026

Weekly Highlights ☀☀☀

It has been another sweltering week on the reserve with visitors and wildlife alike keeping their heads down and out of the sun.

August is a quiet time for birds, and especially for Bitterns, but that hasn't stopped them making brief appearances at all three hides. Housemartins and Swallows have been busy catching insects in front of reception, feeding up for the long journey ahead.

A couple of rarities to note for this week are a Whinchat, spotted in the meadow and another Red Veined Darter today.

📸Bittern by Robert Newton, Whinchat by Drew Lyness

13/08/2026

Please take care when visiting our reserve and be aware that the risk of fire is extremely high. Thank you.

09/08/2026

Come down today for a count! 👐🦋👐🦋👐🦋

Today is the final day to get out for the Big Butterfly Count! Here’s how to take part:

😎 Find a sunny spot
⌚ Spend 15 minutes spotting butterflies and moths
📱 Record how many and what species you see

Take 15 minutes out of your day to enjoy nature and help protect vulnerable butterflies and moths.

You don't need to be an expert. Use the ID guide on the free Big Butterfly Count app or go to 👉 https://butrfli.es/3SVFepj

📷: Painted Lady - Bob Eade

07/08/2026

The Big Butterfly Count is coming to an end on Sunday and Strumpshaw Fen is a brilliant place to take part. The second brood of Swallowtails have been showing often this week, as well as Clouded Yellows and Common Blues.

Come and join us over the weekend and see what you can find. For information about the Count follow this link:
https://bigbutterflycount.butterfly-conservation.org/

📸Swallowtail by John Mudd,
Clouded Yellow by Ben Andrew RSPB

07/08/2026

Weekly Highlights

There have been regular sightings of kingfishers from both fen and tower hide. These birds were a fixture in front of reception last year so it's nice they are spending more time on our reserve again.

If you are a fish there's other reasons to be worried... an otter has twice been spotted at the top of Lackford Run.

Eyes on the skies also - as a honey buzzard was seen over the reserve yesterday.

📸Otter by Mike Nunn, Kingfisher by Ben Andrew RSPB.