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 3rd December, Eldernell, Nene Washes RSPB
Meet at Eldernell car park (
TL316991) at 10:30 on Wednesday 3rd December. This is 12 miles from Peterborough. To get there, follow the A605 east through Whittlesey, Eastrea and Coates (Caution: this route is mostly 30 or 40 mph speed limits and has average speed cameras). Just after you leave Coates you will see a farm machinery supplier, Ben Burgess, on the left hand side of the road. Take the left turn immediately before their gates, Eldernell Lane, and follow it about a mile to its end. It becomes a gravel track for the last couple of hundred metres, rises over the flood bank of the wash and ends in the car park.
We will walk along the top of the flood banks. This is a flat, grassy path which may be a bit muddy if the weather remains wet. It is also rather exposed and can be very cold, especially if it is windy! There are no facilities on site.
We will be looking for birds such as Cranes, herons and birds of prey on the washes and searching the hedgerows for winter visitors such as Redwing, Fieldfare and roosting owls. The washes have been completely dry until very recently. A few pools on some of the fields due to the recent wet weather. Consequently, there are not many wildfowl and waders about at the moment. Geese and swans are a possibility, but have not been there in any numbers yet. There are usually flocks of Lapwing to be seen and there may be others with them, such as Golden Plover.
Future meetings- Wed 7th Jan - Ferry Meadows
- Wed 4th Feb - Welney WWT
