Bird PlacesMere Hide
limitedseats 12
North over the western mere
Often seen: Bittern, Kingfisher
RSPB reserve · Lakenheath, Suffolk
Lakenheath Fen birdwatching guide
Twenty-five years ago Lakenheath Fen was carrot fields; today it is one of Britain's great reedbeds, with booming bitterns, breeding cranes and hunting marsh harriers along the Little Ouse. Its transformation is the model for wetland creation across Europe.
Key facts
- Habitat
- wetland
- Size
- 300 ha
- Entry fee (adult)
- Free
- Entry fee (child)
- Free
- Membership required
- No
- Hides
- 2
- Wheelchair access
- Limited / none
- Car park
- Yes
- Car park to hides
- 800m along riverside grass paths
- Toilets
- Yes
- Dogs
- Not allowed
- Status
- open
- Best seasons
- spring, summer
Species by season
| Season | Species | Likelihood | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| spring | Bittern (Botaurus stellaris) | frequent | — |
| summer | Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus) | common | — |
| autumn | Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) | frequent | — |
Hides at Lakenheath Fen
Mere Hide
Getting there
Station Road, Lakenheath, Lakenheath, Suffolk, IP27 9AD
View on OpenStreetMap · Official website
Facilities & opening
Reserve open dawn to dusk; visitor centre 9am–4:30pm
Frequently asked questions
Can you see cranes at Lakenheath Fen?
A small number of common cranes breed; spring visits at dawn from Joist Fen viewpoint give the best chance.
Nearby reserves (all organisations)
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Information last updated 12 June 2026.