We meet at locations which vary through the seasons depending on what wildlife is about. Whilst most of the sites we visit are fairly close to Peterborough, we do visit a few more distant sites up to about 35 miles away. Walks are sedate ambles at "birdwatching pace", none are particularly strenuous. Suitable clothing and footwear is essential for conditions on the day. You will need a pair of binoculars and a telescope will be useful at some of the larger sites. We are an informal, sociable group and beginners are welcome as well as experienced birders. Whilst we are mainly a birdwatching group, there are opportunities to see all other forms of flora and fauna.
Wednesday 2nd September, Deeping Lakes
Meet at Deeping Lakes reserve car park (
TF183079) at 10:30am on Wed 2nd September. This is about 12 miles from Peterborough. To get there, follow the B1166 from the Deepings towards Crowland. At the edge of Deeping St James, you cross the railway at a level crossing then pass the Exotic Pet Refuge. The road turns sharp left just before the bank of the River Welland. Take the right turn on this corner into the reserve. There is a Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust reserve sign at the entrance gate. Follow the gravel track about 400m to the car park.
We will walk a circuit through the reserve, visiting the hide and returning to the car park around 12:30. The paths are flat and pretty dry at the moment. There are no facilities on the reserve.
Migrants are beginning to head south and wintering birds starting to arrive. We will look for waders and wildfowl on the various pits. Juveniles of the wader, gulls and terns which bred there are still present and migrants like Green and Common Sandpiper have been present in recent weeks. A few wintering ducks like Wigeon and Teal have started to turn up. The hedgerows and scrub may produce migrating warblers etc, joining the flocks of young tits.
Future meetings- Oct 7th, Snettisham RSPB (later meeting time)
- Nov 4th, Eyebrook Reservoir
- Dec 2nd, Nene Washes, Eldernell