Redgrave & Lopham Fen
Redgrave & Lopham Fen is the largest remaining river valley fen in England and the source of the River Waveney.
As one of the most important wetlands in Europe, Redgrave and Lopham Fen now has international protection. As well as open fen the reserve includes a mixture of wet heathland, open water, scrub and woodland. The underlying acid and alkaline geology has resulted in characteristic wildlife including many species now rare in Britain.
Historically local people dug peat for fuel, harvested reed and sedge for thatching and grazed the drier margins with cattle. With the demise of these activities, together with post-war drainage and water abstraction, the fen began to dry out and degrade.
The Trust’s restoration project has included the reinstatement of traditional management, grazing with a herd of resilient Polish Konik ponies, beef cattle and hebridean sheep, peat scraping to expose fresh wet peat and the re-siting of a public water abstraction borehole. This has resulted in rehydration of the fen and the gradual return of its wonderful wildlife. Already wetland species such as butterwort, marsh fragrant orchid and cross-leaved heath have made a comeback as have breeding snipe.
Exciting developments at Redgrave centre
Work to convert the building space at Redgrave & Lopham Fen into a dedicated education centre has begun. The refurbishment including repairs, redecorating and fitting on the building will continue over the oncoming months in preparation for the summer season. New interpretation is also planned for late summer providing information for visitors.
This new focus at Redgrave & Lopham fen will continue to build upon our successful educational work with schools, develop a comprehensive program of adult courses and promote educational events.
We hold practical conservation work parties on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays - please ring Richard Young 01379 687618 for details.
We need volunteers to help with school visits and events at Redgrave & Lopham Fen - click here
Click for more information:
Fen Management
Nearby Trust reserves: Hopton Fen, Thelnetham Fen, Wortham Ling.
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| Family Explorers Trail | Great Fen Trail | Spider Trail | Waveney Trail | Woodland Trail |
Further information for education groups
Please visit the outdoor learning area of the website for information about opportunities for school groups.
Our education pages detail all our environmental education activity.
Special dates for your diaries
Events & Courses at Redgrave & Lopham Fen
Volunteering opportunities at Redgrave & Lopham Fen
Education Officer – Deborah Key
Tel: 01379 688333
email: redgrave.education@
suffolkwildlifetrust.orgSite Manager - Andrew Excell
Tel: 01379 687618
email: andrew.excell@
suffolkwildlifetrust.org
Directions (Google Maps)
- Address
Redgrave & Lopham Fen, National Nature Reserve, Low Common Road, South Lopham, Diss
IP22 2HX - Grid reference
TM052803 (car park/reserve entrance) - Parking
On site - Size
402 acres (163 Hectares) - Local Facilities
Following a review of the our objectives at R&L Fen, Suffolk Wildlife Trust has decided to reopen the building in Spring 2012 for the sole purpose of using the space as an Education Centre. This new focus will continue to build upon our successful educational work with schools, develop a comprehensive program of adult courses and promote educational events. Work towards this objective will commence immediately and we apologise for any inconvenience this transition may have caused your planned visit.The Fen remains open for you to visit. - Access
Fully accessible visitor centre with disabled toilet. Picnic area and designated parking. Wheelchair may be pushed in dry conditions over grass path to boardwalk with fen viewing platform (250m from centre). The longer Spider Trail can be used by a powered wheelchair in summer. - Dogs
Short lead only - STAR SPECIES
Fen raft spider - Status
SSSI - Site of Special Scientific InterestA site of national importance identified by Natural England for its ecological or geological value.
Ramsar SiteSites of international importance for wetland birds designated under the Ramsar convention.
NNR - National Nature ReserveNational designation by Natural England for some of the UK's finest wildlife sites.
Natura 2000 siteSites of European importance which host priority habitat types or priority species which are particularly at risk.
