Low Road, Strumpshaw, near Norwich, Norfolk NR13 4HS

Strumpshaw Fen

Mixed-habitat reserve

Source image

7.0

Wildland

1–2 hours or half day

Time

Check

Cost

Wild

Feel

WetlandRiversideWoodlandWildlife loversWalkersPhotographersFamilies

Why it's Wildland

7.0

On the River Yare, Strumpshaw Fen brings reedbeds, woodland and orchid-rich meadows together in a Broadland reserve known for wildlife watching. Kingfishers are among the birds visitors may hope to spot.

This is more than a single-purpose birdwatching stop: the RSPB describes a varied Broadland landscape of reedbeds, woodland and orchid-rich meadows, with three trails, hides and a visitor centre. Its appeal is in moving between habitats and watching for wildlife rather than expecting a guaranteed sighting.

Wild · Peaceful

Find your way

Open map

Low Road, Strumpshaw, near Norwich, Norfolk NR13 4HS

Opening map…

Explore around here Get directions

Know this place a little better?

Add photos Add video Add a waypoint Improve information Report a change

The experience

Explore a varied RSPB reserve on the River Yare. Walk the fen, meadow or woodland trails, pause at hides and watch for birds; paths can be uneven or muddy, and wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

Things to do

Walk among the reedbeds

Follow the fen trail through reedbed habitat. The RSPB describes the path as mostly flat but uneven and bumpy; it is often wet and muddy in winter.

Explore the woodland trail

Take the woodland trail through the reserve’s wooded habitat. Expect earth and grass underfoot, occasional bumps and two short steep slopes.

Look across the meadow

Walk the meadow trail through orchid-rich meadows. The route is flat but uneven and includes 11 steps up to the riverbank; it can be wet and muddy after rain.

Pause at a hide for birds

Use the reserve’s hides as a place to watch and wait. The RSPB highlights kingfishers as a bird visitors may spot; sightings are not guaranteed.

Try the adventure trail

The RSPB says the adventure trail includes a den-building area for children. Check on-site for its current availability and route details.

Make a day of it

Quick escape · About 1–2 hours; suggested duration, not an official route time.

Quick Fen Visit

01
Check current opening times and charges with the RSPB before travelling.
02
Choose one of the reserve’s fen, meadow or woodland trails, allowing for uneven or muddy ground.
03
Pause at a hide and watch for birds, including kingfishers; sightings are not guaranteed.
04
Return to the visitor centre area. Check current refreshments availability.

Half day · Half day; suggested duration, not an official itinerary time.

Trails and Hides Half Day

01
Begin with a check of current opening times, charges and any visitor advice from the RSPB.
02
Explore more than one of the fen, meadow and woodland trails, using benches for pauses.
03
Spend time at the hides and look across the reserve’s different habitats for birds and other wildlife.
04
Finish with a cuppa from the visitor centre if available; confirm current provision before visiting.

Hidden details

A railway crossing on the way in — Entry to the reserve involves crossing a railway line. The RSPB advises visitors with mobility difficulties or poor eyesight to use the phone at the gate to check with the signal operator that no train is coming.

Three trails, three different surfaces — The woodland, meadow and fen trails have different conditions: woodland paths are earth and grass with two short steep slopes; the meadow route has 11 steps to the riverbank; and the fen trail is often wet and muddy in winter.

When to go

· Check current opening times; no evidence establishes a best time of day for wildlife sightings.

The RSPB highlights orchid-rich meadows and wildlife watching but does not give specific peak months. It notes that the fen trail is often wet and muddy in winter.

Paths can be wet and muddy after rain; the fen trail is often wet and muddy in winter. Woodland and fen routes are uneven, so suitable footwear is sensible.

What to look for

Watch for kingfishers along the waterways and look for the contrast between reedbeds, woodland and orchid-rich meadows. Take time at the hides, but treat any wildlife sighting as a possibility rather than a promise.

Best time to go

Spring and summer for meadow flowers and active wildlife; the RSPB also promotes wildlife events throughout the year. Check seasonal conditions before visiting.

Spring and summer are good seasons to explore the orchid-rich meadows and watch wildlife. Go with time to pause at the hides; check the RSPB’s current opening information before setting out.

How long to spend

1–2 hours or half day

Perfect for

Wildlife lovers · Walkers · Photographers · Families

Before you go

Website Google Maps

Address

Low Rd, Strumpshaw, Norwich NR13 4HS

Phone

+44 1603 715191

Website

rspb.org.uk

Listed hours

Monday: 9:30am-5pm
Tuesday: 9:30am-5pm
Wednesday: 9:30am-5pm
Thursday: 9:30am-5pm
Friday: 9:30am-5pm
Saturday: 9:30am-5pm
Sunday: 9:30am-5pm

Check before visiting.

Google rating

4.8 · 717 reviews

Practical information

Opening & access

RSPB reserve with visitor trails, hides and a visitor centre. Entry involves crossing a railway line; follow the RSPB’s safety instructions at the gate. Check current opening times and charges before travelling.

Check before visiting

Parking

RSPB information lists 60 spaces, including two Blue Badge spaces. Parking is about 150m from the visitor centre; the surface is gravel and can be slightly uneven. Check current arrangements before travelling.

Check before visiting

Toilets

Toilets are in a separate block at the reserve entrance and are stated to be open daily, 9:30am–5pm. No accessible toilet; larger cubicles and baby-changing facilities are available.

Food & drink

The RSPB describes an al fresco cuppa from the visitor centre. Confirm current food and drink availability before visiting.

Dogs

Dogs are not permitted, except assistance dogs, which are welcome throughout the reserve.

Accessibility

The RSPB lists two Blue Badge spaces about 150m from the visitor centre. The woodland trail is mostly flat but bumpy in places, with two short steep slopes; the meadow trail has 11 steps to the riverbank; fen paths can be uneven and muddy. Entry involves crossing a railway line; visitors with mobility or sight difficulties are advised to use the gate phone to check with the signal operator before crossing.

Check before visiting

Cost

Check before visiting

Water

River; wetland fen and reedbeds. No swimming or paddling permission is evidenced.