Bug Hunter Waters

The fens around Cambridge are properly special if you know where to look, and Bug Hunter Waters is one of those places that rewards a bit of effort. It's a working nature reserve where you can actually spot dragonflies, damselflies, and all manner of aquatic insects - the kind of place that gets serious naturalists excited but doesn't feel stuffy about it.

You're basically wandering around wetland pools and reedbeds, binoculars optional but honestly quite useful. Summer's the best time - that's when the insects are most active and the birds are nesting. Spring's good too if you fancy catching migrant species. The walks are flat and easy, nothing strenuous, so it's fine for families with younger kids, though toddlers might get restless after twenty minutes or so.

What makes it different from the bigger nature reserves is the focus on invertebrates. Most people ignore them entirely, which is a shame - dragonflies are genuinely beautiful if you bother to watch them properly. There's something quite meditative about sitting by a pool trying to identify what's skimming across the water.

It's a short drive from Cambridge, making it ideal if you're based at one of the local campsites - Hempsall Farm or Fen End Farm are within a few miles. You could easily fit it in alongside a morning in the city or combine it with other fen walks in the area. Check ahead for access arrangements and what you'll need to bring, as conditions can be wet underfoot depending on the season.