Wildlife
A lost East Anglian landscape
Wicken Fen is home to thousands of species of wildlife, many of them rare or endangered.
In fact, over 8,400 species have been recorded at Wicken Fen. This makes it one of the most species-rich nature reserves in Britain.
You can see some of the special wildlife on every visit, others are more elusive.
Wildlife viewing
There are nine wildlife hides on Wicken Fen and the Vision lands. They allow you to spy on Wicken's amazing wildlife.
The two hides on the Boardwalk Trail and the hide on Tubney Fen are equipped for wheelchair users.
Spring highlights
- Cuckoos calling high in the tree tops
- Snipe 'drumming' over open grasslands
- Bitterns 'booming' deep in the reedbeds
- Reed warblers building their intricate nests amongst the reeds
Wildlife sightings
Catch up on the latest wildlife sightings reported by our visitors and wardens.
Visit our wildlife blog or check the Sightings Book in the visitor centre, and don't forget to record your sightings.
Bird ringing
The Wicken Bird Ringing Group have been ringing birds at Wicken Fen for over 40 years, ringing nearly 100,000 birds during this period.
Dragonfly Centre
Wicken Fen is home to 21 species of dragonfly and the National Dragonfly Centre - open at weekends in summer.
Go on a dragonfly safari or course to learn about their amazing lives and habitats.
Spring walk
Sunday 13 May, 2pm
Join wardens for a guided walk around the fen. £6.75 (includes tea and cake), advance booking essential. Tickets available from the Visitor Centre on 01353 720274.
Wildflower festival
Enjoy the beautiful wildflowers of Wicken Fen
© Mike Selby
Saturday 16 to Sunday 29 June
In late spring Wicken Fen is awash with wild flowers, including rare and endangered wetland species such as the marsh pea. Join us as we celebrate with self-guided trails and guided walks.
Join our Bio-blitz
Saturday 21 July, 1- 4pm
Join our Bio-blitz and learn how to track and survey wildlife.
How many species can we identify in three hours?