Fen Management Handbook - Scottish Natural Heritage

Case Study 11.1
Fens and people
– Strumpshaw Fen
Strumpshaw Fen is an RSPB nature reserve on the River Yare in the Norfolk Broads
National Park. Every 5 years the management and visitor plan is reviewed. 15-
20,000 visitors are expected annually, two-thirds of whom come from within 15
miles; the rest can be described as tourists, including day visitors. The RSPB has
begun to ask visitors for information as well as counting numbers.
Location of Visitor Facilities
at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB
Reserve (Courtesy of the
RPSB)
Who is involved?
The site warden maintains informal contact with local parish councils to let them
know about events and new developments, and keeps local B&Bs and tourist
centres supplied with reserve brochures. 30 local volunteers are key contacts in
local communities and act as ambassadors for the reserve. They receive a regular
reserve newsletter.
Interpretation
Site interpretation is low key, with panels near other structures such as bridges,
and not in the more natural areas. The interpretation has focused on species
identification and site management, and is now being developed to tell better
stories about the wildlife to be seen and the management that is visible to visitors,
such as water management at sluices.
Access provision
Most paths are on raised banks round the edge of the fen, with one cutting through
the fen on an old bank. Boardwalk is used in some places, which in future will be
of treated timber anchored deep into the peat. The RSPB has mown summer trails
over wet meadows at Strumpshaw Fen for 20 years. Soil damage was becoming
apparent as accumulated visitor pressure had led to the development of a small
sedge sward offering less protection to the peat. A more robust path is now being
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