Peatlands are wetlands that store vast amounts of carbon and play a crucial role in regulating the Earth’s climate. They are also vital habitats for biodiversity, providing homes for rare birds and plants.
This two-week celebration which is organised by the Fens East Peat Partnership (FEPP) celebrates the landscape, wildlife and heritage of the Fens.
The Fens East Peat Partnership (FEPP) brings together organisations and landowners working to restore peatlands across the Fens in the east of England. The FEPP team are working on restoring peatland sites in low-lying areas of Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Suffolk to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and keep carbon locked in, benefitting the environment, people and wildlife.
The Fens East Peat Partnership is supported by funding from the Nature for Climate Peatland Grant Scheme administered by Natural England
Within the Peat – exploring Wicken Fen’s ancient habitats
Celebrating World Peatlands Day Adult Walk
Mon 2 June 10am – 1pm RSPB Lakenheath Fen Peatland Paradise Guided Walk
Mon 2 June 3pm – 4.30pm and 6pm – 7.30pm Wicken Fen ‘Let’s Talk About Peat’ Walk
Mon 2 June 5pm Online Willow Tree Fen and the return of common cranes to Lincolnshire
Sat 7 June 10am – 1pm High Fen Wildland Rewilding High Fen Wildland walk and talk
Willow Tree Fen nature reserve
Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust looks after this fenland landscape of shallow meres, hay meadows and reedbeds. The reserve, situated in the south of the county, is rich in wetland wildlife from lapwing and marsh harrier to hairy dragonfly, spined loach and otter. In 2020, with the extra solitude created by lockdown, common cranes returned to the Lincolnshire Fens and successfully raised a chick.
Willow Tree Fen | Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust
Crane Watch
Open daily from March until August, 9am till dusk or 9pm
The common cranes at Willow Tree Fen have now become resident, leaving the reserve only for a short period in the depths of winter. Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust’s wonderful Willow Tree Fen Crane Watch volunteers help visitors to see the cranes throughout the nesting season and identify the wealth of wetland wildlife from the reserve car park viewing area.
Suitable for all ages
Location Willow Tree Fen Nature Reserve car park (opposite Bank House Farm), Counter Drain Drove, West of Spalding, Lincolnshire PE11 3JH*
*Nearest registered address as postcodes are not available for nature reserves
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Price Free
Booking Booking is not required but please be aware that parking space is limited
Willow Tree Fen and the return of common cranes to Lincolnshire online
talk
Monday 2 June, 5pm
During lockdown in 2020, common cranes returned to breed in the Lincolnshire Fens after an absence of 400 years. In this fascinating online talk David Cohen traces the history of cranes in the UK and shares with listeners their return to Willow Tree Fen in the peatlands of south Lincolnshire
Price Free
Booking Book online via Eventbrite Buy tickets - The return of cranes to Lincolnshire
Come to Lakenheath Fen in North Suffolk and see how the RSPB has transformed former carrot fields into a wetland home for Kingfishers, Common Cranes, Otters and Water Voles. Where once there was farmland, now there is a vast stretch of reedbeds and grazing marshes bursting with life, as well as rich woodlands that come alive with song in spring.
RSPB Lakenheath Fen
Peatland Paradise Guided Walk
Monday 2 June, 10am – 1pm
Join us for a tour of RSPB Lakenheath Fen as we go looking for a wide range of specialist wildlife that calls this peatland reserve home. With luck, we’ll see and hear Bitterns, Hobbies, Cuckoos, Marsh Harriers and perhaps even Cranes too. There’ll be a wide variety of warblers, butterflies, dragonflies and fenland plants in flower for us to admire as well.
Please be advised that the walk covers rough terrain and a distance of approximately three miles
Location RSPB Lakenheath Fen Visitor Centre (meeting point), Station Road, Lakenheath, Suffolk IP27 9AD
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Price Adult RSPB members £12, non-RSPB members £15. Under 18’s RSPB members £6, Under 18’s non-RSPB members £7.50
Booking 12 places available, book online RSPB events
Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve
Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve | Cambs | National Trust
Family Trail – All About PEAT!
Saturday 24 May – Sunday 1 June, doors open at 9:30am
Wicken Fen in Cambridgeshire, one of Europe's most important wetlands, supports an abundance of wildlife. There are more than 9000 species, including a spectacular array of plants, birds and dragonflies. The raised boardwalk and lush grass droves allow easy access to a lost landscape of flowering meadows, sedge and reedbeds, where you can encounter rarities such as hen harriers, water voles and bitterns.
Location: Lode Lane, Wicken, Ely, Cambridgeshire, CB7 5XP
There's deep, dark peat beneath your feet at Wicken Fen! It's one of the last remaining fragments of undrained fenland - only 1% remains. Follow the Boardwalk trail to discover peat's secrets, how it makes the reserve a unique haven for a host of fenland species and acts as enormous carbon store.
Suitable for families
Price Free. Normal admission charge to Wicken Fen for non-National Trust members applies to this event
Booking Events at Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve (nationaltrust.org.uk)
Discover the Dirt! Outdoor family fun, celebrating Peat
Friday 30 May, 10:30am – 12 noon and 1pm – 2.30pm
Have you ever wondered what is under the ground at Wicken Fen? Deep, dark, damp peat, which has taken thousands of years to accumulate. Did you know, UK peatlands store over 3 billion of tonnes of carbon? Children can choose from a range of fun activities and crafts to 'discover the dirt' and the creatures that live in it.
Suitable for families, children aged 5+
Price £7.00 per person. Normal Sedge Fen admission charge for non-National Trust members does not apply to this event
Booking Events at Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve (nationaltrust.org.uk)
Within the Peat – exploring Wicken Fen’s ancient habitats
Sunday 1 June, drop-in 11am – 3pm
See and handle ancient remains of plants and invertebrates from the peat at Wicken Fen. Visit the Learning Centre where environmental archaeologists will be sharing materials from their research at Wicken Fen.
Learn how past ecologies and landscapes can be reconstructed from the remains of plants and invertebrates in peats. The exhibition will include handling activities suitable for all ages, including microscopy, alongside poster displays and talking with archaeologists. This event is being run in partnership with the Fenscapes project, McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research, University of Cambridge.
Everyone welcome
Price Free. Normal Sedge Fen admission charge for non-National Trust members does not apply to this event
Booking Events at Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve (nationaltrust.org.uk)
‘Let’s Talk About Peat’ Walk
Monday 2 June, 3pm – 4.30pm and 6pm – 7.30pm
What is going on with peat at the Fen. As part of the Fens East Peat Partnership, we're undertaking large-scale projects to keep our deep peat wet, and to rewet other areas of peat - a vital tool in the fight against climate change. Peat is 'black gold' - in the past it has been used as fuel, as building material, and as a growing medium for gardeners. But its 21st century role is now as a great way to store carbon - as long as it's wet and undisturbed.
Join our expert as they explain more about this fantastic resource
Suitable for adults and young people aged 12+
Price Free. Normal Wicken Fen admission charge for non-National Trust members does not apply to this event
Booking Events at Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve (nationaltrust.org.uk)
The Great Fen
The Great Fen is a vast fenland landscape between Peterborough and Huntingdon with a dramatic and fascinating history. It is home to two National Nature Reserves, Holme Fen and Woodwalton Fen, protected for their unique habitat and the varied wildlife they support.
The Great Fen landscape project to connect the two reserves is one of the largest restoration projects of its type in Europe and will see the landscape being restored and transformed for the benefit both of wildlife and of people.
Wildlife Trust for Beds, Cambs and Northants are offering lots of different activities to celebrate the Great Fen as part of World Peatlands Day on Monday 2 June.
The Great Fen
Introduction to Ecology Workshop for ages 13+
Wednesday 28 May, 10am – 4pm
The Wildlife Trust for Beds, Cambs and Northants’ Chief Executive Brian Eversham will lead an Introduction to Ecology workshop for ages 13+, a brilliant way to start your journey into ecology!
Location Ramsey Heights Countryside Centre, Chapel Road, Ramsey Heights, Cambs PE26 2RS
Price £10 (subsidised by National Lottery Heritage Fund for Peatland Progress Project)
Booking Places must be booked in advance Wildlife BCN events
Bogs and Beyond
Thursday 29 May, 10:30am – 3pm (ticket times slots available 10.30am/11.30am/12.30pm)
A fascinating family event exploring peatlands and natural heritage. Visit the exhibition in our Ramsey Heights classroom where there will be lots of crafts available, including making your own clay brick and edible peat pots. There will also be lots of fun muddy outdoor activities to try, such as a peaty discovery trail, lots of puddle games and an opportunity to make a wattle and daub wall, so bring your wellies!
Location Ramsey Heights Countryside Centre, Chapel Road, Ramsey Heights, Cambs PE26 2RS
Please note Adult places are free (max two adults per group – extra adult tickets £1 each)
Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult and supervised at all times ADULTS PLEASE BE WARNED - YOUR CHILD/CHILDREN WILL GET MUDDY SO PLEASE BRING A CHANGE OF CLOTHES AND MOST IMPORTANTLY WELLY BOOTS
Booking Places must be booked in advance Wildlife BCN events
Celebrating World Peatlands Day Family Walk & Fun Activities
Sunday 1 June, 10.15am – 3pm
Catherine Weightman from Natural England will lead a family walk at Woodwalton Fen National Nature Reserve taking a closer look at hidden peatland wildlife – bring your wellies and your cameras!
After the walk, it’s back to our Ramsey Heights classroom to meet the Wildlife Trust’s Great Fen team for lots of fun crafts. Try making your own clay brick and edible peat pots and get stuck into our muddy outdoor activities from a peaty discovery trail and puddle games, to wattle and daub wall making.
Location and times
10.15am: Meet at Woodwalton Fen bridge
10.30am-12pm: Woodwalton Fen guided walk
12pm-3pm: Post-walk activities at Ramsey Heights Countryside Centre, Chapel Road, Ramsey Heights, Cambs PE26 2RS
Price Wildlife Trust BCN Members £8 adults / £5 children. Non-members £10 adults / £7.50 children
Please note UNDER 18s MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT.
Toilets are located at the Ramsey Heights Nature Reserve. There are no toilets at Woodwalton Fen.
Booking Places must be booked in advance Wildlife BCN events
Celebrating World Peatlands Day Adult Walk
Monday 2 June, 10am – 12.30pm
Catherine Weightman from Natural England will lead a walk for adults at Woodwalton Fen National Nature Reserve providing an introduction on the importance of peat and the habitats which support it. An optional self-led visit to Ramsey Heights Nature Reserve following the walk is recommended.
Locations and times
10am: Meet at Ramsey Heights Countryside Centre, Chapel Road, Ramsey Heights PE26 2RS for refreshments and a Great Fen project overview
12.30pm-3pm: Optional self-led visit to Ramsey Heights Nature Reserve
Price Wildlife Trust BCN members £8 / Non-members £10
Please note Toilets are located at the Ramsey Heights Nature Reserve. There are no toilets at Woodwalton Fen.
Booking Places must be booked in advance Wildlife BCN events
Chippenham Fen
One of the best remaining areas of undrained, semi-natural fen in Europe. The fen is peat soil laid over chalk rock, with a layer of clay between. Chalk springs continually well up into the fen.
Guided walk to look at peat restoration works
Sunday 1 June, 10.30am – 12.30pm
A guided walk around Chippenham Fen National Nature Reserve with the site manager. The site is normally a permit only access site and we will get to go to some of the bits less well visited. We will look at the history and wildlife found on the site. We will see some of the works recently done to make the site wetter to protect the peat soil found on site.
Suitable for adults. Please be advised that the walk covers uneven terrain and may be wet so wellies are advised.
Location Near Chippenham village, Cambridgeshire CB7 5QB. Directions will be sent with booking confirmation.
High Fen Wildland, owned by leading nature restoration company Nattergal, is a fascinating peatland restoration project in the Norfolk Fens where our plans to rewet the landscape and increase biodiversity are well underway. On our guided tours you’ll explore the landscape and discover some of the natural treasures that are already beginning to appear.
Nattergal – High Fen Wildland
Phase 1 of peatland restoration at High Fen Wildland walk and talk
Wednesday 28 May, 10am – 1pm
Following a presentation about Phase 1 of the re-wetting project we’ll walk up Herringay Hill to admire the view and discuss the works completed plus future works for Phase 2. We’ll then head downhill to view the bund that works like a dam to stop the water flow, so that the peatland is kept wet locking away the existing carbon stored in the peat and benefitting biodiversity.
Suitable for adults and older children. Come prepared to wander off the beaten path on rough and muddy terrain
Location High Fen Wildland, Methwold, Norfolk IP26 4PJ
Price
£30
Booking 12 places available, book online Buy tickets – High Fen Wildland
Rewilding High Fen Wildland walk and talk
Saturday 7 June, 10am – 1pm
Following a presentation on High Fen Wildland we’ll walk up Herringay Hill to admire the view and discover what early rewilding looks like. From here we will discuss the peatland restoration and our long-term vision for Nature and the steps needed to achieve that vision. Together with your guide you’ll explore the landscape and discover some of the natural treasures that are already beginning to appear.
Suitable for adults and older children. Come prepared to wander off the beaten path on rough and muddy terrain
Location High Fen Wildland, Methwold, Norfolk IP26 4PJ
Price
£30
Booking 12 places available, book online Buy tickets – High Fen Wildland
Norfolk Wildlife Trust
Dyke Dipping
Wednesday 28 May, 10.30am – 12.00pm
Join us at our custom-built dipping platform and learn about the wonderful wildlife found in ponds and dykes. From here, we can help you learn your boatman from your beetle larvae.
Price £4 NWT member children and £5 non-member (accompanying adult free) + booking fee
Booking
Booking is essential: For all details and to book please see NWT Eventbrite: Dyke dipping at Cley Marshes (28 May) | Norfolk Wildlife Trust
Dyke Dipping
Thursday 29 May, 10.30am – 12noon
Join us and learn about the wonderful wildlife that can be found in the dykes. The experts will be on hand to help you tell your boatman from your beetle larvae.
Price £4 NWT member children and £ 5 non-member (accompanying adult free) + booking fee
Booking Booking is essential: For all details and to book please see NWT Eventbrite: https://www.norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk/events/2025-05-29-dyke-dipping-nwt-ranworth-broad
Bones and Body Bits
Thursday 29 May, 1.30pm – 3pm
Look at our natural history collection and learn how to tell the difference between a deer and fox skull, which rodents have nibbled which nuts and how to identify what an owl has eaten.
Price £4 NWT member children and £ 5 non-member (accompanying adult free) + booking fee
Booking Booking is essential: For all details and to book please see NWT Eventbrite: https://www.norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk/events/2025-05-29-bones-and-body-bits-nwt-ranworthbroad
Brilliant Birds
Friday 30 May, 10.30am – 12.00pm
Learn about our brilliant birds here at Cley Marshes! We will show you how to use binoculars and then we spend time spotting some of our rare and special birds on the reserve.
Enjoy free entry to the reserve, for every child and their accompanying adult, all day. We will also be offering free hands-on activities in our Education Centre.
