Visiting Quy Fen

Quy Fen lies to the north east of Horningsea village and north west of Stow cum Quy village (OS map Ref TL 51413 62674). Access is via footpaths and bridleways that extend from the villages. Anglesey Abbey (National Trust) is also connected via footpaths to the north east of the Fen.

There are four main entrances/exits to the Fen via kissing gates and two include a narrow footbridge ditch crossing. Footpaths extending from these lead the visitor across the Fen to connecting footpaths and bridleways.

Spending Time at Quy Fen

We welcome visitors to spend time at the Fen to enjoy the nature and tranquillity. For the safety of everyone and to support our management and preservation of the Fen please note and adhere to the following:

• Access: There is no public vehicle access to Quy Fen.
• Vehicles: These can be left in a layby to the north of Horningsea village off the B1047 (C Road C210, OS Map reference TL 49814 63048). The Fen is approximately one mile from here via a marked bridleway and footpaths.
• Bicycles: In dry conditions visitors are welcome to cycle on the footpaths across the Fen. However, for the benefit of the protection of the Fen and all users, it is recommended that cycling is avoided in wet conditions when cycling is dangerous and would lead to churning up of the footpaths.
• Motorbikes/electric bikes and scooters: These are not allowed.
• Accessibility: The Trust has progressively replaced stiles with kissing gates to improve accessibility but Quy Fen remains a countryside location with narrow footbridges at some footpath exit points. Visitors with specific accessibility requirements should check access arrangements in advance to avoid any disappointments.
• Countryside code: Visitors are asked to adhere to the Countryside Code while visiting the Fen.
• Cattle: As part of the management and preservation of the Fen’s rare grassland and pools, cattle are grazed and rotated around it. Fences and gates are in place as part of that management including fencing to allow cattle access to drinking water at different sections of ‘The Cut’ according to the rotation. Visitors are asked to ensure all gates are left closed, unless they have been specifically secured open and to contact the Grazier Gordon White on 07834 809450 or 07557 958633 to report any distressed cattle or broken fencing.
• Dogs: These should be kept on a lead when cattle are present and otherwise in areas free of cattle may be walked ‘off lead’ if under control or walking to heel. Dogs should not be allowed to enter the cut or surrounding ponds as static water can contain toxins, especially during hot months and dog medication, such as flea treatments, can damage rare aquatic life present in the ponds. Please ensure all dog litter is taken home or left in the dog poo bin at the Horningsea entrance (as shown on the Fen map). A full bin may be reported to the Grazier noted above.
• Picnics: These are allowed, but please ensure all litter is taken away with you. We request that you leave only your footprints. Benches can be found around The Cut and in the south west corner before the tree plantation and exit.
• Additional rules: Barbecues and open fires are not allowed. Swimming is strictly forbidden and is not allowed in The Cut, however inviting it might appear. The deep water and aquatic plants make swimming dangerous; there have been fatalities in the past and glass is present in the shallow areas, despite having been removed where possible. Nudism is prohibited. Shooting is not allowed.

Thank you for respecting these safeguards which are intended to ensure the enjoyment of the Fen for all, now and for future generations.