Lakenheath Fen Nature Reserve

Lakenheath Fen reserve comprises a mixture of wetland and woodland south of the Little Ouse in Suffolk. The RSPB has converted an area of arable farmland into a large wetland, consisting mainly of reedbeds and grazing marshes. The new reedbeds have attracted hundreds of pairs of reed warblers and sedge warblers, as well as bearded tits and marsh harriers. Lakenheath forms part of a network of other fenland nature reserves. These include Wicken Fen, Chippenham Fen, Woodwalton Fen and the washlands of the rivers Great Ouse and Nene. Many are now undergoing similar restoration and extension projects.
What we wanted to see on our visit was the Bittern - we had heard rumours of many sightings, so were very optimistic. We were not to be disappointed!
The journey was about 52 miles and was rather slow at the start as we started during the early morning rush. After a very warm welcome from the staff we embarked on a slow wander around the reserve. It is several years since our last visit and the place has been transformed beyond all recognition. Check out their web site here.

Skippers mating - very obliging in front of us! 

Then on to a pair of Ringlet doing the same. 

Further along a Ruddy Darter dragonfly 

This time the Common Darter 

This Brimstone I assume was getting nectar from the bellbine flower. 

This time a pair of Common Darters mating 

One of the main reasons we came here today was to see if we could catch the Bittern that we had heard so much about. Our luck was in. The gentleman in the hide as we entered pointed out the spot where the two juveniles were to be seen, and the rest was down to patience. Below are a few of the images of the day. 

First this youngster appeared 

--- and started walking along the edge of the water 

Then a smaller sibling appeared 

... causing a bit of a domestic for some reason. 

But we decided to go in opposite directions 

Testing the wings 

On our way back to the Center we saw this Reed Bunting 

And finished off with a Comma butterfly. An excellent day, well worth the visit 

 Index of posts

A Visit to Wicken Fen

Wicken Fen was the very first nature reserve owned by the National Trust and has been in their care since 1899. To quote the National Trust : 

`For more than 100 years we've worked hard to protect the rare species that live at Wicken through intensive management of the fen habitats. This has become increasingly difficult and by the late 20th Century it had become clear we could not protect this unique place because the nature reserve was just too small & too isolated. 

The Wicken Fen Vision is an ambitious project to create a landscape scale nature reserve stretching from Wicken Fen to the edge of Cambridge, creating new habitats for both wildlife and humans. In 1999, we launched the Wicken Fen Vision, a 100 year plan to extend the reserve from Wicken to the outskirts of Cambridge, covering an area of 5300 sq hectares. 

Our aim is to buy land as and when it comes up for sale, and restore it to fen and wetland habitat. We gradually raise water levels and use herds of free roaming konik ponies and highland cattle, as part of an extensive grazing programme to create new habitats. The breeds were specifically chosen for the ability to thrive in wetland conditions. 

An important part of the Vision is to provide space for humans to enjoy for leisure and recreation, in an area of the country which is undergoing rapid development and which has very little public accessible countryside.` 

Our interest for this visit was the amazing amount of insect life, mainly butterflies. Most of the images were taken with the Sony RX100 which is a great compact but does require some stealth when taking objects this close.

Ringlet - Aphantopus hyperantus 

Brown Tail Moth - Euproctis chrysorrhoea 

A plain white species when at rest, although the abdomen, as the name suggests, has a brown tuft of hairs which the female uses to cover the eggs with when they are laid. 

The species is distributed mainly around the south and east coasts of England, and in some years can become locally abundant. 

The caterpillars are well-known for their urticating hairs; they cause extreme irritation if in contact with human skin. They feed in a communal web on the leaves of hawthorn (Crataegus) and blackthorn (Prunus spinosa). 

Grasshopper

Large Skipper - Ochlodes sylvanus 

Four Spotted Chaser - Libellula quadrimaculata 

Green Veined White - Pieris napi 

Another Ringlet 

Large Skipper - Ochlodes sylvanus 

Cinnabar Moth Caterpillar

Cricket (Jeremy?) 

Two for the price of one - Large Skippers 

Brimstone - Gonepteryx rhamni - Not a bad haul I thought for a day! 

 Index of posts

Arger Fen bluebells and more

Arger Fen and Spouse's Vale is a fascinating mosaic of ancient woodland alongside fen meadow and regenerating woodland. The interesting mix of trees at Arger Fen includes oak, ash, field maple, holly, crab apple, superb large alder, hazel stools and wild cherry. The reserve's contrasting habitats of dry wooded hillside and damp valley floor create a rich environment for wildlife and visitors alike. Many rare and declining species find refuge here including the scarce hazel dormouse and the barbastelle bat. Common lizards and grass snakes bask in woodland glades in summer, butterflies to look out for include speckled wood, meadow brown, orange tip, holly blue and comma... and bluebells! 
It is maintained by Suffolk Wildlife Trust who do a great job maintaining this beautiful area

Carpets of bluebell, one of the nations favourites I am sure. Maybe because they herald spring at last.

Bluebell with tree as a background

Yellow Archangel (Lamiastrum galeobdolon) - also with a tree trunk backdrop.

Marsh Horse Tails

A slime mould - Enteridium lycoperdon

Wild Strawberry (Fragaria vesca)

Bluebells

Brimstone moth spotted as it sunned itself in the warm morning sunlight

Cuckoo flower (Cardamine pratensis) 

Wood Spurge (euphorbia amygdaloides) All green it might be, but still rather pretty I think

Primroses 

All seen on the same wood,s on the same day - spring is definitely here! 

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