Peterborough National Nature Reserves

10/08/2026

Update 10/08/26 5pm

Area Commander Wayne Swales said: “Our crews continue to work really hard at the scene of this fire. It has been a significantly challenging incident and our firefighters have done a fantastic job today and over the weekend to try and bring it under control. We’ve also received fantastic support from services around the country. This is despite there being several other incidents ongoing, including a large fire at a recycling centre in Northamptonshire. At any one time there has been in excess of 80 firefighters and officers at the scene battling the conditions and the numerous hazards.

“We are working with other service and our multi-agency partners to plan for the coming week, as we anticipate we’ll need to maintain a large presence at the incident for most of the week. There will be smoke visible from considerable distances, however this is from the firefighting tactics we are having to deploy. This should not be confused with the thicker black smoke and smell that is coming from the incident in Northamptonshire. Those that think they might be impacted should keep their doors and windows closed as a precaution. We also urge people to continue to stay away from the area.

“I can reassure residents that we will be working hard to maintain our availability to respond to emergencies while this incident is ongoing. Although many of our fire engines will be at Holme Fen over the coming days, we will have others available to respond. In some cases we will have to prioritise depending on the nature of the emergency.

“Finally I just want to thank everyone for your patience and support so far. We’ve been inundated with lovely messages from people, which has been really appreciated. We hope to be able to bring this to a conclusion as soon as we can, but in the meantime we are grateful for all the support.”

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Firefighters are continuing to tackle the large fire at Holme Fen Nature Reserve today (Monday August 10). Crews remained on scene overnight working incredibly hard.

We are still asking you to please, please avoid the area. It is very busy with emergency vehicles and it also for your own safety due to the hazards in the area.

If you can smell smoke, please close your windows and doors.

More updates on this incident can be found on our website: https://orlo.uk/o2wXk

Please share this post if you can, it will be really helpful!

26/06/2026

Places are limited for this FREE geology walk at Barnack Hills & Holes NNR. Link for booking a place is in comments.

05/06/2026

Our Rural Crime Action Team (RCAT) recently joined Natural England on a visit to Castor Hanglands following reports of sheep worrying by dogs not being kept on leads.

During the visit, we discussed recent incidents of livestock worrying, where fortunately no animals were injured.

We also talked about what we can do to tackle the issue further, such as additional signs being placed in prominent areas as a reminder to keep dogs on leads.

Livestock worrying is a criminal offence under UK law, and our officers are working closely with partners and the rural community to help keep animals safe.

As we head into the summer months, you may want to head out on more rural dog walks. If so, make sure that you…
🐶Always keep dogs on a lead near livestock, even if they are well-trained
🐶Observe local signage and seasonal rules (e.g. mandatory leads on open access land between 1 March and 31 July)
🐶Ensure fencing and gates are secure to prevent dogs from escaping
🐶Be aware of surroundings and only allow dogs off lead in areas free of livestock
📞If your dog is involved in an incident, call 101 immediately

If you are a farmer or landowner, here are some tips to help protect your livestock:
🚜Install clear signage to remind walkers of legal requirements
🚜Position troughs away from public paths
🚜Maintain fencing and consider deterrents like electric fencing
🚜Install CCTV or trail cameras to deter and record evidence
📸If your livestock are harmed, it is important to photograph injuries

Have a rural concern? Report it here👉 https://orlo.uk/PAMbo

08/05/2026

⚠️ Asian hornets have recently been spotted at Monks Wood National Nature Reserve.

These invasive predators pose a serious threat to honey bees and other pollinators, so we’re asking visitors and the local community to stay vigilant and report any suspected sightings.

Asian hornets can be identified by:
• A dark velvety body
• An orange band on the abdomen
• Distinctive yellow-tipped legs

If you think you’ve seen one:
📸 Take a photo if it is safe to do so
📱 Report it via the Asian Hornet Watch app
📧 Or email: [email protected]

We will also be placing monitoring traps around the reserve in the coming weeks. Please do not touch or disturb these traps if you come across them.

Thank you for helping protect our native wildlife and pollinators 🐝

19/03/2026

13/02/2026

Dogs on Leads at Castor Hanglands NNR

This week, staff were on site when a muntjac was attacked by two spaniels, causing catastrophic injuries and ending with the deer being put down. As a result of this and increasing sightings of dogs chasing deer on the Reserve, we are now asking that all dogs are to be kept on a lead and under control while walking at Castor Hanglands.