If you are wondering where to see bitterns in the UK, look no further. Once extinct in the UK, the Eurasian bittern is one of the our rarest and most intriguing birds. From extinction in the 19th century, recent efforts in dedicated wildlife conservation has meant bitterns can now be seen in many locations across the UK. One in particular – Fishers Green in the Lee Valley Regional Park – forms a perfect habitat to observe wintering bitterns on the outskirts of London. Here, the wonderful state-of-the-art Wildlife Discovery Centre birdwatching hide offers the perfect view into the lives of these highly elusive and camouflaged birds specialised to life in the reeds.
As locals to Fishers Green, having spent countless hours watching and photographing the bitterns from the Wildlife Discovery Centre, we hope to inspire others by sharing the beauty of Fishers Green through our experience and photographs.
Table of Contents
What are Bitterns?
Biology and Ecology
Eurasian Bitterns (Botaurus stellaris) are an unusual and intriguing bird species belonging to the family Ardeidae, containing herons, egrets and of course, bitterns. These masters of stealth and camouflage are extremely elusive and can be a real challenge to see. Spending their time hidden amongst thick reedbeds, they specialise in hunting fish, small mammals, amphibians and invertebrates. It is in these reedbeds that they can be seen stealthily scanning the shallow water waiting for the perfect opportunity to ambush. At times they will appear completely frozen for what seems like an eternity, locked on and waiting to strike (see the photograph below).
Bitterns are large birds, standing at up to 80cm tall with a wingspan reaching ~130cm, so slightly smaller than the size of a grey heron. In fact, at times you may be lucky enough to see bitterns and herons together in the reeds, which usually leads to a confrontation in which the bittern will puff out its feathers to appear larger (see the second photo at the beginning of the article for an example of this behaviour).
As you can see from the photo at the beginning of the article, bitterns are extremely adept hunters. This was the moment where the bittern, after 5 minutes of appearing frozen in the reeds, lunged forward and pulled out this enormous pike from within the reedbed. After some struggle it slowly wandered off deep into the reeds and gulped the whole thing down headfirst in one go – which seemed rather uncomfortable and took some perseverance.
Populations and Conservation
Bitterns are one of the UK’s rarest and most threatened birds, having experienced enormous population declines over the past few centuries. In the UK, bitterns are made up of two populations: 1) resident breeding birds that live here year-round; and 2) a larger population of birds that migrate over from mainland Europe to overwinter in the UK, but subsequently return to the continent in the spring to breed.
Our bittern populations have undergone catastrophic declines in recent centuries, to the extent that breeding populations went extinct in the 19th century due to extreme habitat loss and the drainage of wetland habitats. In recent years, however, conservation efforts are beginning to make real positive impacts. As of 1997, there were just 11 resident breeding “booming” males. By contrast, in 2022, RSPB and Natural England recorded 228 “booming” males, highlighting some really positive conservation initiatives which are helping to bring bitterns back to the UK.
Why Fishers Green?
Fishers Green is slightly strange when it comes to being a premier bittern-watching destination. Firstly, it is relatively small when compared with some of the UK’s bittern strongholds, which boast a far greater area of suitable bittern habitat, as well as far greater numbers of bitterns. And secondly, Fishers Green currently only has an overwintering bittern population, and is yet to have any resident breeding birds.
Despite this, Fishers Green is one of the most remarkable places for bittern-watching in the entire country. What makes it so unique is just how close up you are to the bitterns when watching them from the birdwatching hide.
The close proximity of the hide to the bittern’s favoured reedbed means you are literally within 10m of the birds at times. The Lee Valley Regional Park Authority has worked tirelessly and has recently completed the development of an incredible half-a-million-pound state-of-the-art “Wildlife Discovery Centre” birdwatching hide which opened in 2020 in place of the old hide.
Best Time to Visit
If you are wondering when is best to visit, the most important thing to note is that Fishers Green’s bitterns are currently only part of our overwintering population. Therefore, only being present during the cold winter months from around October until March (the exact timing varies depending on weather conditions).
So if you want to see the bitterns at Fisher’s Green, the best and only time to see the bitterns at Fishers Green is during the winter. With the middle of winter being even more ideal. During this period, bitterns are more likely to be seen as they come out of the reed beds to forage. Early mornings and late afternoons are particularly good times for sightings, as the birds are most active during these hours.
How to Get There
By Car
Fishers Green is accessible by car, with paid parking available at the Fishers Green Car Park. From there it is just a short 200m walk across the bridge to the Wildlife Discovery Centre birdwatching hide.
By Train
For those using public transport, the nearest train station is Cheshunt. Once arriving at Cheshunt Station, you can cross over the railway bridge into the park. From here it is around a 1.4 mile (~30-minute) walk to the hide. Detailed directions and maps are available on the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority’s website.
What to Expect
When you visit Fishers Green, you can expect a serene and picturesque landscape, with a variety of bird species to observe. The Wildlife Discovery Centre, located near the Seventy Acres Lake, offers excellent vantage points for spotting these elusive birds. Bring your binoculars and a camera with a good zoom lens to capture these moments.
Aside from bitterns, Fishers Green is home to a wide array of wildlife. You may also spot kingfishers, herons, and various species of ducks. The area is a biodiversity hotspot, making every visit unique and exciting.
Tips for Your Visit
- Bring the Right Gear : To make the most of your visit, bring a pair of binoculars and a camera to get a better view of the birds.
- Wear Appropriate Clothing : It will most likely be pretty cold, being that the bitterns are there during winter. Wear layers and bring some waterproof clothing. A flask of coffee always goes down a treat too!
- Be Patient and Quiet : Bitterns are shy and easily disturbed, so stay quiet and patient to increase your chances of seeing them.
- Visit the Wildlife Discovery Centre : This spot provides useful information about recent sightings and the best places to see bitterns.
Other Wildlife
Fishers Green is not only home to the enigmatic bittern, but also for many other interesting British wildlife.
Year-round you have the chance of spotting some interesting birds including kingfishers, water rail, sparrowhawks, peregrines, herons and a large range of waterfowl. You may also be treated with brilliant views of muntjac deer which can even be seen directly across from the hide and all over the reserve.
If you are visiting in the winter to see the bitterns you may also have the opportunity to see rarer winter migrants including goosander, red-head smew and so on. As well as a whole host of smaller birds including lesser redpoll, siskin and yellowhammer.
If you visit in the summer, despite the lack of bittern, you still have the chance to see some wonderful wildlife. Seventy Acres lake is a place where you can hear and see beautiful nightingale, as well as see families of great crested grebes, which nest in the river beside the Wildlife Discovery Centre.
Fishers Green also provides a great habitat for kingfishers which they are hoping will begin to nest in the newly built artificial kingfisher nesting banks, located directly opposite the hide.
Conclusion
Fishers Green is undoubtedly one of the best places to see bitterns up close in the UK. Its thriving habitats, modern facilities, and the serene beauty of the Lee Valley in the bustle of London, make it a must-visit destination for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Whether you’re an experienced birdwatcher, wildlife photographer or a curious beginner, a trip to Fishers Green promises unforgettable wildlife experiences and the chance to see one of the UK’s most elusive birds up close in its natural habitat.
Pack your binoculars, bundle up warm, and head to Fishers Green’s Wildlife Discovery Centre for a wildlife adventure you won’t forget!
Please let us know if you decide to visit and if you have any luck witnessing these beautiful creatures! Ryan & Lottie!
To find out more about some of the world’s most incredible wildlife destinations and how to see them for yourselves, please check out some of our other articles. Whether you are interested in visiting Australia, Indonesia, India or Sri Lanka, we hope we can inspire you to start planning your own wildlife journeys!
Unfortunately this year we haven’t seen the Bittern. We are still hoping it will show but meanwhile the water rails are amazing
Please note the tower is currently closed. We hope it will reopen in the next week or so