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 4th Feb, Welney WWT
Meet at 10:30am on Wed 4th Feb at Welney WWT visitor centre car park (
TL547944). This is about 30 miles from Peterborough. The most direct way to get there is across the fens from March to Welney Village, join the A1101 and cross the Ouse Washes. As you leave the wash on the far side, turn tight left on a small road and proceed about a mile along here to the car park. There is a brown sign to Welney WWT on the corner at the turn. However, the A1101 across the washes is often flooded and, given the wet weather recently and forecast for the next week or so, you should
check whether the road is open or not before setting out. If it is closed (as it is at the time of writing!), it is necessary to go via Downham Market and the A10.
There is an entrance charge to the reserve for non-members of the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust. The adult concession price is £5.40 or £6 with Gift Aid. The visitor centre has tiolets and a cafe. We will plan to walk around the reserve, visiting several of the hides and return to the visitor centre around 12:30. However, the parts of the reserve that are accessible to us may be restricted due to flooding (and it may be sensible to wear wellies!). Some people may wish to have lunch in the cafe and stay a bit longer on the reserve. The swans are fed daily at 15:30.
The reserve is particularly noted for its swans and wildfowl and we should see substantial numbers of Whooper Swans as well as a good range of ducks. Hopefully, there might also be at least a few Bewick's Swans and good numbers of Cranes (up to 40) have been reported recently. Waders such as Black-tailed Godwit, Ruff and Snipe should be present and birds of prey such as Marsh Harrier should be visible. In recent years we have also done well for egrets with all three species being seen on recent visits.
Future meetings- Wed 4th Mar - Deeping Lakes
- Wed 1st Apr - Old Sulehay
- Wed 3rd May - Castor Hanglands
