RSPB Lakenheath Fen to celebrate 30th birthday with special event and free entry

A nature reserve is set to celebrate its 30th birthday with a special event this weekend.

Entry and parking to RSPB Lakenheath Fen will also be free to visitors on Sunday to mark the milestone.

The nature reserve’s land was bought by the wildlife charity in 1995 and at the time it was used to grow carrots.

The RSPB turned the carrot fields into a wetland for wildlife and it now covers nearly 500 hectares, including a mature reedbed that attracts rare species such as marsh harriers, bitterns, cranes and bearded tits.

Visitors on Sunday are able to enjoy the following activities:

10am: Welcome to RSPB Lakenheath Fen talk - visitors can learn about the history of the site and how it helps wildlife

11am: Moth discovery - be there for the opening of an overnight moth trap and learn about the moths that have been caught

12pm: Guided walk of RSPB Lakenheath Fen - looking at the different habitats created for wildlife

2pm: Family-friendly wildlife activity - get up close with small creatures that live at the fen

Heidi Jones, visitor experience officer, said: “When you look back at the humble beginnings of the nature reserve to where we are now, it’s remarkable just how far the site has come.

“From rewetting the fenland, planting the reedbed and the continued management of the site with nature in mind, RSPB Lakenheath Fen has been a labour of love for many staff and volunteers over the years.

“Thank you to all our visitors and RSPB members over the last three decades who have supported the work and continue to visit and enjoy the wildlife that lives, breeds and feeds here.

“We hope that our open day event will give many more people the opportunity to connect with nature at RSPB Lakenheath Fen.”