Catfield Fen Butterfly Reserve
Butterfly Conservation's 25 hectare Catfield Fen reserve is part of the Ant Broads and Marshes National Nature Reserve (NNR), which covers much of the floodplain of the middle Ant Valley. The NNR is one of the best and largest remaining areas of fen habitat in Western Europe. The reserve is a typical fen mixture of open water, reed, sedge and carr woodland. The reed is cut on a 1-2 year cycle and sedge, on a 3-5 year cycle. This is used for thatching, and produces an ideal range of vegetation structures for a great diversity of wildlife.
Owned by Butterfly Conservation.
Water beetles: The dykes and ditches support rare plants such as Frogbit and stoneworts. Old peat cuttings on the reserve provide a special range of conditions for water beetles and Catfield Fen is one of the top national sites for them.
Butterflies: Swallowtail, White Admiral.
Moths: Small Dotted Footman, Fenn's Wainscot, Reed Leopard, Dotted Footman, Flame Wainscot, Dotted Fan-foot, Reed Dagger, Webb's Wainscot, Dentated Pug, Marsh Carpet, Purple-bordered Gold.
Birds: Bitter & Marsh harrier can both be seen (heard) here at the right time of year.
Location: About one mile west of Catfield village, down Fenside lane (a cul-de-sac which is prone to flooding). There is limited parking on the Staithe near the end of the lane.
NB. Site too hazardous for open access but easily viewed from public path along peripheral embankment (‘Rond') where Swallowtails and their foodplants are also present.
Grid reference: TG 370 212
These maps are intended as a guideline only; you must check the exact location of the reserve yourself. Wildlife Extra assumes no responsibility for the accuracy or usefulness of the information on this website.
