RSPB Strumpshaw Fen, tucked away in the heart of the Norfolk Broads, celebrates its 50th anniversary this weekend with a family-friendly festival. Manager Helen Deavin explains the Nature Reserve has transformed over the years
A nature reserve that has played a vital part in supporting many threatened wildlife species in Norfolk is celebrating its golden 50th anniversary. Tucked away in the heart of the Norfolk Broads, RSPB Strumpshaw Fen is one of the county’s most popular nature reserves. Covering 450 hectares of diverse wetland – the equivalent of 630 football pitches, it is now home to some of England’s most threatened bird species including Bittern, Crane, Lapwing and Redshank. The nature reserve is also notable as a key UK stronghold for the threatened Swallowtail butterfly thanks to conservation management on site to nurture Milk Parsley, their caterpillar’s favoured food.
The first land at Strumpshaw Fen was taken on by the RSPB in the mid-70s, with a visitor hub opening in 1981. It has since welcomed many thousands of visitors to experience its wide range of habitats including wet woodland, fen, reedbeds and meadow.
Originally the site was unmanaged fenland, but it now hosts an abundance of wildlife thanks to the hard work of RSPB staff and volunteers who have dedicated their time to creating and caring for the mix of habitats in this amazing wild space. During the last half century, the focus has been to sustain or increase populations of many wildlife species while maintaining or restoring different habitats.
Helen Deavin, nature reserve manager said, “Strumpshaw Fen has transformed and grown into a destination to truly connect with nature in Norfolk. It really is a wonderful, even magical place that brings visitors back time and time again to explore nature, learn about wildlife and find an oasis of calm away from everyday life.
“By developing habitats where wildlife feels safe and can find the right food and places to shelter and raise a family, staff and volunteer teams across the years have created a reserve that helps populations of rare species not only survive, but thrive. We look forward to sharing the next 50 years of wildlife with our visitors.”
The nature reserve provides year-round interest for nature lovers. Populations of Bitterns, Marsh Harriers and Bearded Tits, and flocks of waders and overwintering ducks and geese can be seen. Otters, Water Voles, Swallowtails, Fen Raft Spiders, Orchids and the rarely found Sharp-leaved Pondweed are also found on site.
RSPB Strumpshaw Fen sits in the middle of the East Coast Wetlands; an internationally important stretch of English coastline that sees thousands of birds migrate through each year. The East Coast Wetlands are so important to wildlife they are currently on the tentative list to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
RSPB Strumpshaw Fen nature reserve will be holding a golden anniversary weekend event on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th September, 2026. A mix of family nature fun events including meadow sweeping for insects and nature crafts will take place on the Saturday followed by prebooked guided nature walks on the Sunday. Find out more about RSPB Strumpshaw Fen’s 50th anniversary events at events.rspb.org.uk/StrumpshawFen. More information on RSPB Strumpshaw Fen can be found on its web page: rspb.org.uk/strumpshawfen. The RSPB’s work to help nature is greatly supported by RSPB members. For information on how to join go to rspb.org.uk/membership.
Featured image of Helen Deavin, Nature Reserve Manager (c) RSPB
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