WILDLIFE WATCHING

1. Wicken Fen

If the wind is blowing migrant birds in from the north, you can see all kinds of rarities but Wicken in winter is especially good for hen harriers, marsh harriers and short-eared owls as well as woodcock, redshank, lapwing and thousands of wildfowl. Access: dawn till dusk, £6.65 adults. Lode Lane, Wicken, Ely CB7 5XP. www.national trust.org.uk/wicken-fen-nature-reserve

2. Woodwalton Fen

One of only four fragments of original fenland, Woodwalton was protected in 1910. More than 1,000 species of beetle have been recorded here. Look out for elusive, fanged Chinese water deer (above). Kingfishers can be seen year round; in winter, spy little and great crested grebes, tufted duck, gadwall and teal. Chapel Road, Ramsey Heights, PE26 2RS. 01487 710420, www.greatfen.org.uk

3. RSPB Lakenheath Fen

Former arable fields have become a wilderness of reedbeds and grazing marshes in this stunning piece of habitat restoration. Enjoy barn owls and reed buntings as well as the migrating wildfowl. A real thrill in winter is the chance of seeing a crane, a beautiful, characterful bird that has begun breeding again in eastern England in recent years. Access: dawn till dusk. Brandon, Suffolk, IP27 9AD www.rspb.org.uk