Here are some of the birds, plants, and animals you might meet on your journey.

1) Birds of the Fenland Skies

Whether you’re a keen birdwatcher or a curious beginner, the Fens are a brilliant place to spot water birds and rare species.

kingfisher | vincent van zalinge

Kingfishers: If you’re lucky, you might spot a flash of electric blue darting across the water. Although they nest in the riverbanks, it’s pretty rare to see one; so look out for them in the morning or at dusk.

You’ll be more likely to see swans, ducks and geese. Swans glide alongside the boat as if escorting you, while moorhens bob around the reeds with their chicks in tow. Herons keep impossibly still, but you may notice one on the bank, poised to catch a fish in the shallows.

Marsh Harriers and Owls: In more open areas, keep an eye on the sky. These larger birds of prey are often spotted circling overhead.

marsh harrier | paul kelly

Top Spotting Tip: When you’re moored up, a narrowboat allows you to observe without disturbing the wildlife, like a floating bird hide! The waterfowl may even approach you.

2) Towpath Botanicals

Walking the towpath is not only a chance to stretch your legs, but also to enjoy a closer look at the wildflowers and plants lining the banks.

Purple Loosestrife and Yellow Flag Iris are out in the summer, adding splashes of colour to your journey. Reed beds rustle in the breeze, creating a habitat for many small creatures.

yellow flag iris | martin wemyss

In spring and early summer, you might spot cow parsley, wild poppies, and meadowsweet, while later in the year, blackberries offer the opportunity for a little wild foraging. There are brilliant towpath foraging tips, and a muffin recipe, by narrowboater Helen here: Foraging With Children.

blackberry raspberry cake | micheile henderson

Why It Matters: Noticing these small details can turn an ordinary walk into a mini nature treasure hunt for kids, or a mindful practice for grown-ups.

3) Creatures Great and Small

While you’re relaxing on deck or strolling the towpath, keep your eyes peeled for shy mammals and water-loving insects.

Water voles (think Ratty from Wind in the Willows) are often seen along Cambridgeshire’s quieter waterways. My favourite are dragonflies and damselflies dancing above the surface on sunny days, their shimmering wings catching the light.

Hares and deer sometimes appear at dawn or dusk in the open countryside beyond the riverbanks. And of course, frogs and newts can be found near weedy stretches of canal and pond-like areas.

deer divide | zero

Family Bonus: Even children used to tech can’t help but be curious when a dragonfly lands on the roof of the boat or a tiny frog hops across the path.

4) Nature Reserves along the Way

Cruising with Fox Narrowboats puts you within reach of several wildlife-rich destinations.

Welney Wetland Centre: A must for bird lovers, this reserve is part of the Ouse Washes and is famous for its migratory swans and waders. The best way to visit is to take a taxi from either Denver or Littleport to the centre. Fox Route 1 will take you on the River Ouse and you can reserve tickets for the centre online.

Wicken Fen: One of the oldest nature reserves in the UK, Wicken Fen offers a magical mixture of sedge, water, and sky. You can moor nearby and take a walk through the boardwalks to explore rare habitats. From the moorings on Wicken Lode it is a short walk to the National Trust Visitors Centre and café.

wicken fen | phil hearing

Roswell Pits, near Ely: A peaceful spot for watching birds and dragonflies, and a good place to stretch your legs before heading into Ely town.

Planning Tip: Check mooring locations in advance if you’d like to combine cruising with a visit to these wild havens.

5) Slow Travel, Rich Encounters

What makes wildlife spotting from a narrowboat so special? It’s the combination of stillness and surprise. One moment you’re making tea in the galley, the next, you’re calling out to everyone because a deer just leapt across the bank. It’s not staged or rushed, it’s real, and it stays with you.

Whether you’re a family looking to connect, or a couple seeking peace and quiet, nature finds a way of making your narrowboat journey unforgettable.

Ready to Drift into Nature?

At Fox Narrowboats, we’re proud to help families, couples and nature lovers discover the hidden wildlife wonders of Cambridgeshire’s waterways. All of our boats come with the comforts of home, and the convenience of being close to nature.

Book your holiday narrowboat today and begin your own slow adventure.

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Photo credits: Kingfisher by Vincent van Zalinge on Unsplash. Marsh Harrier Paul Kelly on Unsplash. Yellow flag Iris Martin Wemyss on Unsplash. Blackberry and raspberry cake micheile henderson on Unsplash. Deer Divide By Zero on Unsplash. Wicken Fen Phil Hearing on Unsplash

The post Exploring Cambridgeshire’s Wildlife: Spotting Flora and Fauna with Fox Narrowboats appeared first on Fox Narrowboats.

Navigation planning on a Fox day boat

With September just around the corner and the children back to school, why not take a mid-week day afloat for some relaxation?

Taking a day off to go messing about in boats will boost your mental health and create special memories with your loved ones. Get up close to nature and take photos as you travel at a leisurely pace through the Middle Level in Cambridgeshire. A typical return boat journey will take six or seven hours, so it’s a chance to really slow down. Go with a group of friends for an unusual hen party or stag do, or celebrate a special family occasion. Our day boats carry up to 10 passengers, and everyone can have a go at steering.

A short train journey from Cambridge or London, you will find us in the Fenland market town of March. If this is your first time narrowboating we will show you the ropes. We’re a friendly family-run business, so you can ask us any questions before you set off. You can either cruise east towards the picturesque villages of Upwell and Outwell, or west through Ashline Lock to Whittlesey.

Our colourful day boats are the March Adventurer and the March Explorer. Both boats have a seating area and a toilet, and you will find the galley on board complete with hob, fridge, and a sink. Each boat has a dinette, equipped with crockery and cutlery so you can make snacks and hot drinks as you travel. (Grab food at Sainsbury’s or Iceland, in March, or at the riverside village store in Upwell.)

For a special occasion order food from Glam Grazing by Gem and it will be in the fridge on board when you arrive. Choose from a traditional afternoon tea, a gentleman’s afternoon tea or a selection of graze boxes. The Sweet Treat Box is perfect for a birthday as it includes Prosecco and a selection of homemade, freshly prepared cakes. There is also a children’s afternoon tea and a gluten free option.

There’s enough room on the boat for everyone to sit outside, and dogs are welcome.

Read: Canal Boating With Your Dog: The Ultimate Guide.

If it rains there is a see-through cover at the front of the boat, or you could take shelter in a cosy country pub along the way.

Enjoy the views, the heritage and the wildlife as you cruise on the water. Day boating customers have spotted kingfishers and other birds, and animals grazing in the fields as they drift lazily through the countryside.  If you like to stay active you can walk alongside the boat sometimes, and help with the locks.

Check out the stunning local scenery in this short video clip:

A mid-week break in September means you avoid the summer holiday crowds, and save money on the cost of boat hire. The autumn colours make the scenery quite idyllic at this time of year. The flat landscape allows you to travel under a panorama of big skies, perhaps passing through a mesmerising windfarm if you are headed to Outwell.

You may also like: 5 Memorable Things to See on a Day Boat Trip

There are some great offers available this September with some days reduced from £225 to £200. Search Day Boat Hire.

For more surprising and unusual tips and ideas for days out in Cambridgeshire, enter your email address in the box in the right side bar (‘Follow blog’) and we’ll send you articles direct to your in -box. (We never share or sell email addresses, this is just to send you our latest blog posts.)

Photo & Video Credit: Fox Narrowboats

The post Day Boat Hire: The Antidote to Stress appeared first on Fox Narrowboats.