Roswell Pits Nature Reserve — Attraction in East Cambridgeshire

There are no services, amenities or activities... This is simply a lovely nature spot that is held accessible to the public, which is something I cherish.

The flooded pits have had bird islands installed which attracts a range of water birds and there's private fishing rights to these pits.

Yomp through the common meadow at the top of the Environment Agency offices and wonder down the tarmac road that leads over the bridge between two pits (the one on the left is used by the sailing club, to give an idea of size). Over to the right is a beautiful view of the Cathedral on the hill.

Keep on and you have the option to explore the woodland paths that eventually lead into the nature park behind Sainsbury's, or keep going over the level crossing to the more secluded spot where the nesting spots are. Plenty of tern, swans and ducks, if you're lucky you'll hear a bittern booming.

Take the footpath off to the right (in front of the office building opposite) and you end up on the path down the river bank. Swift's, cormorant, great crested grebe and the usual suspects abound (some are seasonal, terms and conditions apply! 🤓). This is cow grazing pasture through the more temperate months, they're used to people and dogs, so keep calm and carry on.

The water meadows behind the hedgerow are valuable nesting sites, so dogs must be kept to close control, especially during breeding season when signs are up to warn you. The water-loving dogs have a great walk along this stretch.

At the end you can carry on along the river further and reach jubilee gardens and head on up to the Cathedral, or take a loop, off to the right, back through the country park.

If you fancy, you can follow the river right along, past the Grand Central on the sharp left hand swing of the river, crossing the A142 and accessing the footpath on the other side. Goes for miles. That's also a good cycle path over the back roads...

An idylic setting with a range of migratory and nesting birds within a quick walking distance of Ely Cathedral, the river Great Ouse and the restaurants and amenities that comes with it.

A fantastic place to enjoy nature, go for a walk, enjoy with a dog or just somewhere to relax and unwind whilst forgetting the stresses of everyday life.

It is kept largely free of litter thanks to residents and the Ely litter pickers and is a perfect place to view the sunrise or sunset.

Roswell Pits is one of my favourite local places of interest and I make a point of visiting every week or two.

I cannot recommend this place highly enough and five stars does not...

Lovely place to go for a walk. Not to far from the town center but you feel like you could miles away.

Clear paths to take you around as you explore the area.

Good for dog walkers and those with cats on leads.

Lovely wildlife to see, ducks to feed.

There was some kinda party going on when I was there. A few young teenagers making there way over a fence. It's true they should not have been doing it, but we would have done the same at that age too and at least they are enjoying the outdoors and...