Welcome to
Wheatfen

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Cuckoo Roger Fay
norfolk hawker phil corley

Home to incredible wildlife

The rich tapestry of different habitats at Wheatfen provide a home for some truly incredible wildlife species including the iconic yellow swallowtail butterfly, elusive Norfolk Hawker dragonfly, unmistakable cuckoo, and more.

Delve in to learn more about our resident species or find out about recent sightings from our warden.

A special place rich in history

Once home to the esteemed naturalist Ted Ellis, Wheatfen is an important reserve that is likely the best-studied area of fenland in the entire world. Ted and his helpers’ careful management of the land, and the meticulous work of generations after them, has ensured that Wheatfen is equally as special today as it was over 70 years ago.

Take a step back in time and learn more about the reserve or find out about the Ted Ellis Trust’s role in managing it today.

Latest news and sightings

The most recent news articles and wildlife sightings from Wheatfen Nature Reserve.

View across the pond by Annie Kerridge
Warden's blog

A fond goodbye to Will and a warm welcome to our new Warden Matt

The New Year is often a time for new beginnings, and for Wheatfen the start of 2026 will bring some changes. Will Fitch has been Warden for almost nine years…
Dave Jones using a moth trap at Wheatfen
Projects

Updating the moth record for Wheatfen in 2024 – 92 years and still counting

After Will had suggested that moths would be one of the monitoring priorities for 2024, I naively asked to see the current moth list for the reserve having no idea…
volunteer Stuart thumbnail image
Projects

Wheatfen With a Pinch of Salt

Visitors to Wheatfen may sometimes catch a glimpse of one of the reserves more secretive creatures, mensor salsus. One of our Volunteers (and the author of this blog) Stuart This…

Follow us on social media

Follow our page on Facebook and visit our Wheatfen Community Facebook Group to stay up to date with what’s going on at the reserve.

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