Paxton Pits Nature Reserve

75 hectares of lakes, meadow, grassland, scrub and woodland next to the river Great Ouse where you can enjoy a wealth of wildlife all year round. Whether you are painting the scenery with watercolours, bird watching or going for a walk, we hope you enjoy your visit.

Join the Friends of Paxton Pits Nature Reserve

The Friends of Paxton Pits Nature Reserve raise funds, promote the reserve and help with conservation work. If you would like to support the Nature Reserve and contribute to its future, then you can join the Friends by clicking on the Friends pages of the Paxton Pits website, or by picking up a membership leaflet from the Nature Reserve.

Volunteering

Volunteering is a great way to get some fresh air, meet new friends and learn new skills whilst aiding conservation. If you would like to get involved with the practical management of the reserve you can join a midweek group who meet on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. You can get involved with a huge variety of tasks such as vegetation clearing and path maintenance. You will need to be reasonably fit and prepared to get wet & muddy! The Friends of Paxton Pits and the RSPB also organise a programme of conservation work parties on the reserve at weekends during the winter.
If you're a people-person, perhaps you could help out in the Visitors’ Centre. Voluntary Wardens welcome visitors, provide information, refreshments and a friendly chat. Helping visitors to enjoy their time on the reserve is a satisfying experience and can only take a few hours of your time. Voluntary Wardens operate a rota to open the Visitors’ Centre on weekdays and weekends. You don’t need to know a lot about wildlife - you just need to be interested and care! If you would like further information, contact the Rangers on (01480) 406795.

Safety

In the event of an accident or emergency, first aid facilities and a telephone are located in the Visitors’ Centre. If this is closed, the nearest telephone is located next to St James’ Church on the High Street, Little Paxton.
The paths run very close to deep water in places. Please keep a close eye on children. The lakes are deep and the water is cold, even in the summer, so please do not be tempted to go swimming, it is not allowed. If in winter the ice looks strong, DO NOT GO ON IT, skating is NOT permitted.

How to find us

Paxton Pits (click on the right for a link to multimap) can be found in the village of Little Paxton which lies 3km north of St Neots and about 1km from the A1. Follow the signs through the village of Little Paxton to reach the car park and the Visitors’ Centre. There is a bus service which runs between Huntingdon and St Neots, stopping at Little Paxton. The nearest railway station is in St Neots, about 3km from the Nature Reserve. For current bus times phone Travel Line on 0870 6082608 or use the link to the right. Trains to St Neots Station can be found on the National Rail website (see right) or phone 08457 484950.