Water levels and access information
We appreciate that changing water levels and access information can be confusing and frustrating when attempting to plan a visit. Please bear with us through these conditions, this post explains why we are flooded and what you can still enjoy at Welney.
The Ouse Washes are currently providing an
essential role as a flood relief area. We appreciate that changing water levels and access information can be confusing and frustrating when attempting to plan a visit. Please bear with us through these conditions; the visitor centre is always open and operating the cafe and shop as well as providing great views across Lady Fen.
The high water levels on the reserve are protecting tens of thousands of hectares of farmland and thousands of homes in towns and villages, all along the River Great Ouse. The depth of the water on the reserve is resulting in fantastic numbers of diving ducks during the day - particularly pochard, with tufted ducks in amongst the flock. The swans that have been feeding out in the fields throughout the day are returning to the reserve at dusk, gliding down onto the water in front of the main hide. Good numbers of swans can be seen at the floodlit feeds on Saturdays and Sundays.
Lady Fen is providing a greater variety of
birds, with the best views from the visitor centre and carpark. If you arrive before the
centre opens at 10am, bring a hot drink and from the car park you can enjoy
watching the swans flying out. During the day enjoy watching flocks of wigeon,
lapwing and golden plover, as well as highlights including pintail, shoveler,
teal, shelduck, great white egret.
