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 6th May, Castor Hanglands
Meet at 10:30 at the parking spot on Helpston Road (
TF121009) adjacent to Castor Hanglands NNR. This is about 7 miles from Peterborough. I usually get there by heading north from the city centre around Bretton Way following the signs for the Crematorium and Marholm. Follow Stamford Road through Marholm and on towards Ufford until you reach Helpston Road (about 1.5 miles beyond Marholm) and turn left towards Ailsworth and Castor. Proceed nearly a mile along this road to the parking spot. This is an obvious area on the right hand side of the road at the start of a track which heads across the field into the wood. The track has a steel gate - make sure you do not block this gate when you park because it is in frequent use!
We will walk a circular route around the reserve and the adjacent forestry area aiming to return to the parking area around 12:30. Some of the paths on the reserve are uneven and rather muddy, but things have dried out sufficiently so that ordinary walking shoes are fine. There are no facilities on the site.
Our main targest will be to listen for Nightingale and a variety of warblers - especially scrub warblers like Blackcap, Garden Warbler, Whitethroat & Lesser Whitethroat. There should also be a good range of woodland and hedgerow birds as well as flowers and butterflies.
Future meetings- June - no meeting (Stuart is away) - unless someone else wants to organise something
