Green space

The flat Cambridgeshire landscape opens up properly once you get east of March, where this nature reserve sits among the reclaimed fenland that defines the region. It's the kind of place where you notice the sky first - vast and imposing, with weather rolling in across completely unobstructed horizons. Paths wind through reed beds and open water, attracting serious birdwatchers who come equipped with binoculars and field guides, though casual walkers find plenty to occupy an hour or two as well. Spring and autumn migrations bring the biggest crowds; winter can feel oddly peaceful and cold.

You'll spot lapwings, redshanks, and if you're lucky, rarer visitors depending on the season. The walking is dead easy - nothing steep or technical, which makes it accessible for families with younger kids, though they might find it a bit samey after a while if they're not into birds. The reserve works brilliantly as a morning stop if you're based at Fenland Camping and Caravan Park just down the road, or as part of a longer fenland circuit taking in Fields End Water or Knightsbridge Caravan and Marina Park. Allow a good hour minimum, longer if you're serious about birdwatching or photography. Bring proper waterproofs - the fenland gets boggy and wind cuts right through you, even on days that look calm. Admission details and exact opening times vary, so ring ahead before you drive out, especially in winter when some areas might be closed for management. The reserve rewards patience rather than quick visits.