The site is a classic fen and even in summer it is often muddy and surface water. The flora is one of the main interests of the site with a diverse range of plants species. The invertebrates are another key part of the site particularly the two-winged flies (Diptera). In warmer weather there are a lot of biting flies - midges, mosquitoes and horseflies. Calcareous fen conditions with frequent ditches, pools and wet depressions make this a really diverse wetland. The peat soils on site vary from centimetres to 2 metres thick. Main habitats: peatland Area: 117 hectares A permit is required to visit the site. Fill out the Chippenham Fen access permit (149KB) and send it to the address on the form. Features of interest Cambridge milk-parsley (Selenum carvifolia) grows well on the site. This plant is only found in 3 other sites in the UK and is protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act. Over 500 moth species have been recorded, including silver barred and reed leopard. Many nationally scarce, rare invertebrates particularly Diptera. In 2010 Rosser’s sac spider (Clubiona rosserae) was rediscovered at the site for the first time in 19 years. More than 400 species of wild flowers have been recorded including marsh helleborine, black bog rush, bogbean, bog pimpernel and saw-wort, southern marsh and fragrant orchids. Breeding birds include woodcock, snipe, and 9 species of warbler. For more details about when to visit and seasonal wildlife, see the Chippenham Fen pages on the National Archives Directions The reserve is 6 miles north of Newmarket between the village of Chippenham and the town of Fordham. The nearest train stations are in Newmarket and Kennett (five kilometres to the east). Fordham is accessed via the A142, and Chippenham via the B1085 from the A11 (A14). The nearest car parking is in Fordham and Chippenham. Volunteers There is a regular volunteer group on a Thursday. There are opportunities to assist with practical work such as cutting and raking fen vegetation, repairing fences and undertaking wildlife and water level survey. There is a monthly visit by a moth recording group who welcome new faces. Contact Email brecklandnnr@naturalengland.org.uk
Telephone: 01638 721329