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Brandon Fen

Downs, Moorland in Suffolk West Suffolk

England

Brandon Fen

Little Ouse River Bordering Lakenheath RSPB reserve.
Little Ouse River Credit: Hugh Venables

Brandon Fen is a vast, picturesque landscape located in the county of Suffolk, England. Nestled between the Suffolk Downs and Moorland, this area is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and diverse wildlife. Covering an extensive area of marshland, wet meadows, and reed beds, it is a haven for many rare and protected species.

The fen is characterized by its rich and fertile soil, which supports a variety of plant life, including reeds, sedges, and willows. These plants provide an ideal habitat for a wide range of bird species, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers. Visitors can catch a glimpse of rare birds such as the bittern, marsh harrier, and bearded tit.

The fen also boasts an abundance of other wildlife. From elusive mammals like otters and water voles to a plethora of insects and amphibians, the area is teeming with biodiversity. The presence of these species highlights the importance of the fen as a protected site.

Aside from its natural wonders, Brandon Fen offers several recreational activities for visitors to enjoy. There are well-maintained walking trails that allow visitors to explore the fen at their own pace while immersing themselves in the tranquility of the surroundings. Additionally, the fen provides an excellent spot for fishing and photography.

Overall, Brandon Fen is a captivating destination that showcases the beauty of Suffolk's countryside. Its unique ecosystem and diverse range of wildlife make it a must-visit location for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful retreat in the heart of nature.

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Brandon Fen Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.441475/0.52251156 or Grid Reference TL7185. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Little Ouse River Bordering Lakenheath RSPB reserve.
Little Ouse River
Bordering Lakenheath RSPB reserve.
Little Ouse River With grazing cows and a slightly confused young Greylag Goose.
Little Ouse River
With grazing cows and a slightly confused young Greylag Goose.
Lakenheath RSPB reserve The reserve has recreated an extensive reedbed from what was previously vegetable fields (and before the drainage a few centuries ago was part of a huge wetland)
Lakenheath RSPB reserve
The reserve has recreated an extensive reedbed from what was previously vegetable fields (and before the drainage a few centuries ago was part of a huge wetland)
Joist Fen Lakenheath RSPB reserve, with a maturing reedbed. Compare with <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/495533">TL6985 : Joist Fen</a>.
Joist Fen
Lakenheath RSPB reserve, with a maturing reedbed. Compare with TL6985 : Joist Fen.
Cropmarks on fields NW of Lakenheath: aerial 2022 (1)
Cropmarks on fields NW of Lakenheath: aerial 2022 (1)
Cropmarks on fields NW of Lakenheath: aerial 2022 (2)
Cropmarks on fields NW of Lakenheath: aerial 2022 (2)
Cropmarks on fields NW of Lakenheath: aerial 2022 (3)
Cropmarks on fields NW of Lakenheath: aerial 2022 (3)
Cropmarks on fields NW of Lakenheath: aerial 2022 (4)
Cropmarks on fields NW of Lakenheath: aerial 2022 (4)
River Little Ouse Seen from the RSPB reserve at Lakenheath.
River Little Ouse
Seen from the RSPB reserve at Lakenheath.
Farm buildings off the Wangford Road
Farm buildings off the Wangford Road
Washland Wetland along the Little Ouse River between the river and banks lining the fields. This system allows water to be pumped from the fields to maintain a lower water level than the river (some land locally is even below sea level). This happens to the north but to the south the land has been reverted to fenland by the RSPB so remains wet. There is mooring along the river for permit holders.
Washland
Wetland along the Little Ouse River between the river and banks lining the fields. This system allows water to be pumped from the fields to maintain a lower water level than the river (some land locally is even below sea level). This happens to the north but to the south the land has been reverted to fenland by the RSPB so remains wet. There is mooring along the river for permit holders.
Birdwatchers Large numbers of people were visiting the reserve as there was a breeding pair of Cranes present and also Golden Orioles (which this group is looking/waiting for). The RSPB have only just publicised the reserve and opened up various paths (after a long period of habitat recreation), which has increased the number of visitors (as has the cranes' presence) though this is a public footpath which has always had access. It is an excellent place to visit for birds, with Marsh Harrier, Hobby, Garganey, Barn Owl, Grasshopper Warbler, Turtle Dove and Cetti's Warbler also seen (sad that Turtle Dove now qualifies for the list as interesting).
Birdwatchers
Large numbers of people were visiting the reserve as there was a breeding pair of Cranes present and also Golden Orioles (which this group is looking/waiting for). The RSPB have only just publicised the reserve and opened up various paths (after a long period of habitat recreation), which has increased the number of visitors (as has the cranes' presence) though this is a public footpath which has always had access. It is an excellent place to visit for birds, with Marsh Harrier, Hobby, Garganey, Barn Owl, Grasshopper Warbler, Turtle Dove and Cetti's Warbler also seen (sad that Turtle Dove now qualifies for the list as interesting).
Seal of approval Sign detailing the success of the habitat creation at the RSPB Lakenheath Fen reserve for birds and other wildlife. Mostly still legible, the word before 'and barley' is 'carrot' and that before 'and water voles' is 'Otters'.
Seal of approval
Sign detailing the success of the habitat creation at the RSPB Lakenheath Fen reserve for birds and other wildlife. Mostly still legible, the word before 'and barley' is 'carrot' and that before 'and water voles' is 'Otters'.
Joist Fen Part of RSPB Lakenheath Fen reserve.
Joist Fen
Part of RSPB Lakenheath Fen reserve.
Ditch across Joist Fen Through the recently created reedbed at Lakenheath. A Bittern could be heard booming from here, until a few years ago there were no Bitterns in the Fens, they are now booming at several sites where suitable habitat has been recreated.
Ditch across Joist Fen
Through the recently created reedbed at Lakenheath. A Bittern could be heard booming from here, until a few years ago there were no Bitterns in the Fens, they are now booming at several sites where suitable habitat has been recreated.
Joist Fen Maturing reedbed at Lakenheath Fen where the RSPB are recreating fenland habitat from arable fields.
Joist Fen
Maturing reedbed at Lakenheath Fen where the RSPB are recreating fenland habitat from arable fields.
Morning at Lakenheath Fen The birds at the reserve are best seen or heard early morning.
Morning at Lakenheath Fen
The birds at the reserve are best seen or heard early morning.
Part of RSPB Lakenheath Under the careful tutelage of the Head Warden of the Reserve, Marsh Harriers could be seen flying in the distance.
Part of RSPB Lakenheath
Under the careful tutelage of the Head Warden of the Reserve, Marsh Harriers could be seen flying in the distance.
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Brandon Fen is located at Grid Ref: TL7185 (Lat: 52.441475, Lng: 0.52251156)

Administrative County: Suffolk

District: West Suffolk

Police Authority: Suffolk

What 3 Words

///epidemics.canines.supreme. Near Lakenheath, Suffolk

Nearby Locations

Brandon Fen

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