Short Walks in Bedfordshire

Descriptions - Videos - Proper parking instructions

Fowlmere Nature Reserve

Description and Walk

The Fowlmere Nature Reserve is situated between Fowlmere and Melbourn in Cambridgeshire. The reserve is a section of land set aside by a farm, and was previously used as an area where watercress was grown. The reserve’s reedbeds and pools are fed by natural chalk water, meaning that they are particularly clean and clear.

Fowlmere is home to a wide range of wildlife and waterfowl, and has been designated an area of special scientific interest; it covers an area of approximately 40 hectares (40 football pitches).

We visited on a bit of a grim day when wildlife seemed to be in hiding, and that year the Kingfishers were a complete no-show. The site lacks the odd open field or meadow that other nature reserves have, which makes for a more closed-in, slightly overgrown feel. It does have a large hide that was popular with photographers and a populated owl box, though of course the owl is not out much during the day.

Short Video of Fowlmere RSPB Nature Reserve

Note: The video is best viewed by clicking on the 'full screen' symbol that appears at the bottom-right of the video box once the video is playing. To exit full-screen hit your escape key or click on the symbol at the bottom-right again.

Parking

Parking address: RSPB Fowlmere, Mill Rd, Royston SG8 6EZ

At the time of our visit the car park was not free and only accepted payment by card - this was pre-covid. The reason, we assumed, was that the site is fairly remote and coin payment would invite theft.

It would be possible to park for free on verges in Mill Road (quiet country lane), but then you would have to walk some way along the service road to reach the nature reserve. Click on the Google Maps link, below, and use the little yellow man to see the layout there.

Google Map