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 1st April, Old Sulehay
Meet at 10:30am on Wed 1st April at the western end of the reserve by the entrance to Old Sulehay Lodge (
TL053984). This is about 11 miles from Peterborough. Head west on the A47, cross the A1 at Wansford and go straight on along the A47 at the second roundabout for about 800yds. Take the left turn signposted for King's Cliffe. After about 400yds, take the right turn on a sharp left hand bend, also signposted to King's Cliffe. Follow the road for about a mile and take the first left ("Sulehay Road"). There is a signpost on the opposite side of the road, indicating Yarwell and Old Sulehay, but it is a bit burried in the hedge and not all that obvious! Follow this lane for about 600 yards and you will come to the gates of Old Sulehay Lodge on the right with obvious roadside parking opposite around a public bridlepath sign. There is a Beds, Cambs & Northants Wildlife Trust reserve sign on the gate.
We will take a circular route around Stonepit Quarry and Old Sulehay Forest, aiming to return to the parking spot around 12:30. The paths can be quite uneven and muddy in places, but they have dried out at the moment and, assuming we don't get a lot more rain in the next week, are fine for ordinary walking shoes. There are no facilities on the site.
We will be looking for woodland birds in particular such as Woodpeckers, Tits, Nithatch, Treecreeper, etc. Spring migrants are starting to arrive and Chiffchaff and Blackcap at least should be singing if the weather is reasonably kind to us. We should also see a fine display of spring flowers just starting to come out and, hopefully, butterflies and other insects.
Future meetings- Wed 3rd May - Castor Hanglands
