Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve

On a clear night you can see some 4,000 stars sparkling in our universe. Perfect for families and anyone unfamiliar with astronomy, this guide will introduce you to star gazing in the low-lying landscape of Wicken Fen, offering a broad skies which are perfect for star gazing. Print off a copy of our Star Guide to take with you and find out what’s in the sky this month…

See this step-by-step route marked on an OS map

© Crown copyright and database rights 2012 Ordnance Survey 100023974

1. Turn left out of the car park. Continue in a straight line past the entrance to the Visitor Centre along the hard-surfaced path (waymarked NCN11). Shrubs and trees are on your left; the reed-edged water of Wicken Lode is on your right – take care to stay on the paths.

   Show/HideSummer Triangle

   The Summer Triangle is made up of three bright stars positioned in a triangle, directly overhead. Look out also for the Plough and Great Bear.

   

2. After 492yds (450m) follow the path round to the left, and then turn right across the footbridge of Monk’s Lode. The bridge is wide, but has no hand rails, so again take care.

   Show/HidePerseid meteor shower

   The Perseid meteor shower is due on the 23 July, reaching its peak on 12 August. Whilst looking for stars, listen out for the eerie bark of the Muntjac deer, or the Tawny owl’s familiar toowhit-twhoo. In June and July, Glow worms might light your way and from March to August lapwing and redshank (pictured) call. You may also hear a chorus of widgeon and teal from October to March.

   

3. Turn left to follow the path, keeping Monk’s Lode on your left. After 109yds (100m), turn right off the hard-surfaced path on to the grass path. Within 10yds (10m) the landscape broadens to give you views over Baker’s Fen. Find a comfortable spot and settle down to an evening of star gazing. Retrace your steps to return to the car park.

   Show/HideMilky Way

   The stars you see in the sky are part of a spiral group of millions of stars called the Milky Way galaxy. With its dark skies, away from the intrusive lights of towns, the fens offer a great place to view the thousands of stars and other objects in our universe.