This access statement does not contain personal opinions as to our suitability for those with access needs, but aims to accurately describe the facilities and services that we offer all our guests/visitors. Access Statement for Lakenheath Fen nature reserve Introduction From carrots to cranes in 20 years: The RSPB’s vision for Lakenheath Fen was to provide a safe home for wetland wildlife, especially bitterns and recreate a small part of the once vast East Anglian Fens, which had been lost for over four hundred years. Situated along the River Little Ouse, on the border of Suffolk and Norfolk, Lakenheath Fen is now a haven for wetland species, particularly those that make their home in reedbeds. Bitterns boom once again from deep within the reeds, whilst the constant clamour of bearded tits, and reedbed warblers provide accompaniment to sky- dancing marsh harriers high above. Elusive otters swim in the pools and ditches, while the bugling calls of majestic cranes echo across the reserve. The big skies of these flat lands with their majestic sunrises and sunsets complete the experience of being in a wild wetland. Hides and viewpoints provide great opportunities to see this wildlife and much more besides. The reserve entrance is on the B1112 between Lakenheath and Hockwold. The entrance track leads to a car and coach park and from there the visitor centre can be accessed on foot. Trails take you through poplar woods, reedbeds and around a section of wet grassland as well as providing access to the Public Footpath along the riverbank where there are views out over the river and washland pools. The visitor centre has modern toilet facilities including provision for wheelchair users. The centre has a tea and coffee machine, cold drinks, and a variety of snacks. Locally made ice cream is available during the summer months. Staff and volunteers in the centre welcome visitors and provide information on the reserve. Further information is available on our website: www.rspb.org.uk/lakenheathfen We look forward to welcoming you. If you have any queries or require any assistance please phone 01842 863400 or email [email protected]. Pre- Arrival The reserve entrance lies on the B1112 between the Lakenheath station railway crossing and the road bridge over the River Little Ouse. The B1112 road past the reserve is uneven in places and has no pavement. For a map and directions on how to reach us please see the 'How to get here' section on our website, which has a link for sat navs. Alternatively you can plan your journey by public transport or car using www.transportdirect.info - simply enter your postcode and ours to get directions. The nearest railway station is Lakenheath, 500m/0.3 miles away, on the Norwich to Ely line. The service runs a request stop, once in either direction on a Saturday and three times on a Sunday and Bank Holidays. A footpath (640m/0.4 miles) links the visitor centre with Station Road, north of the railway station and from there it is another 150m/146 yards walk to the station. Brandon Station has a more regular service and is 9 km/ 5.5 miles away from the reserve. Local taxi firms include: Bob’s Taxis in Hockwold- 01842 828471; Weeting Cars- 01842 810436 Bus stops are in Hockwold (2 km/1.5 miles to the north) and Lakenheath (4.5 km/7 miles to the south). Bus number 145 stops in Hockwold (Thetford to Kings Lynn), the 200 and 201 stop in Lakenheath (Mildenhall to Thetford). The reserve is signposted with brown highway signs and there are large blue RSPB welcome signs at the entrance itself. The reserve access track is tarmac before becoming a stone track. It is single track with passing places at regular intervals. There is no pavement but a grass footpath follows the roadway. Wooden animal sculptures visible are along the route. The reserve itself is open throughout the year. The visitor centre and toilets are open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. The centre is closed between Christmas and New Year but the toilets are only closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Entry to the reserve is free for RSPB members, but there is a car parking charge of £4 per car for non-members. Members should show their membership cards in the visitor centre. Car Parking Facilities and Arrival The car park can accommodate a total of 40 cars with additional space in the coach park for another 25 cars or three coaches. A further overflow provides parking for 65 cars. There is no specific drop off point. Two blue badge parking spaces are located in the car park, 130 m/142 yards from the visitor centre. Further parking for up to six cars can be found close to the first viewpoint at New Fen. These spaces are available for blue badge holders, or those with mobility difficulties. Please ask in the visitor centre, where a pass will be issued and directions given. Passes must be returned to the visitor centre by 4.30pm. Car parking is £4 for non-members payable in the visitor centre. Lighting is provided in the car park from dusk until 7pm during the autumn, winter and spring. The car park surface is loose gravel. The stone pathway between the car park and visitor centre is smooth and level, with no significant gradient. Visitor Centre The visitor centre is all on one level, with step free entry and exit, although there is a 15mm/0.59” threshold is present at both doors. Both entrances are 1,570mm/61.8” wide, and have manually operated double doors opening inwards. One door is usually open with a width of 780mm/30.7”. A range of visitor information is available, and there are live video images from a nest box camera during the breeding season. There is a touch screen computer with internet access and a variety of video clips and presentations. Two armchairs overlook the pool and bird feeders. Small upholstered chairs are also available with some small tables. The centre has three large picture windows, and is evenly lit with overhead spotlights and fluorescent lighting. A telescope is available for use by visitors in the centre offers views of wildlife. During opening hours, staff and volunteers at the information desk will be pleased to assist with enquiries, provide information and offer memberships. Binoculars are available to hire for a fee of £2 per pair. Children’s explorer’s back-packs are also available to hire for £3, which includes binocular hire. Wall mounted headphones have an audio commentary with bird song. There is a hearing induction loop. There is an annual programme of events. Please check their suitability for your accessibility requirements with our visitor team. Lakenheath Visitor Centre from the lawn in front Nature Trails A variety of trails run throughout the reserve, offering a choice of different lengths and surfaces. The longest circular route is about 5km/3miles, and surfaces are a mix of grass paths or hard tracks. All trails are signposted. Wildlife information boards are provided. Most paths have benches at intervals. Dedicated pedestrian paths are 1.8m/70” wide. The main vehicle track to New Fen and Joist Fen provides a 0.8m/31.5” wide smooth, stone surface. At weekends throughout the year, and on weekdays from May to August, volunteer guides offer help and information. A reserve leaflet map can be downloaded from: http://www.rspb.org.uk/Images/lakenheath-map_tcm9- 366699.pdf Access to trails varies throughout the season to prevent disturbance to breeding birds. Staff and volunteers can advise when you visit. The Public Footpath is a mown grass path grazed by cattle during the late spring and summer. It can be very muddy in wet weather, particularly in the winter. It has three kissing gates, each fitted with a Radar lock for wheelchair access. There is only one bench along the Public Footpath at the wash-land viewpoint. Brandon Fen Family Trail The Brandon Fen Family Trail is a choice of two routes, each of around 1.6km/1 mile starting from the visitor centre. One loop, the lower loop, is a rolled stone surface and is accessible for all. The other is a grass path on top of the river flood bank. This trail incorporates the Wash-land viewpoint which is 200m/218 yards from the visitor centre and can be accessed via a rolled stone surface. A ramp leading to the viewpoint is, at its steepest, a 1:6 gradient and is a mix of stone and grass. The viewpoint has a bench with back support, interpretation and views across the river, flood meadows and pools. From the viewpoint you can choose to go east or west. Going east takes you along the upper Brandon Fen family trail, which takes you along the grassy Public Footpath, and bends round with the river before reconnecting to the lower trail after about 700m/0.5 mile. There is a rolled stone slope, gradient 1:20 leading off the riverbank and back to the lower trail. Going west from the viewpoint takes you along the Public Footpath towards the viewpoints at New Fen (870m away/0.5 mile) and Joist Fen (2.4km/1.4 miles away). There is access off the riverbank to each viewpoint. Head back down from the viewpoint and turn left to join the lower Brandon Fen trail, which takes you through reedbed, poplar woods, grazing marsh and an area of sandy Brecks. Seven benches are provided along the lower trail, including five along the track and two with back support on nearby grassy mounds.