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

Vikings at Sandwich and Pegwell Bay

A rather dull day today - which only got worse! Our destination was Sandwich and Pegwell Bay National Nature Reserve. We had a pleasant walk, saw few birds and the rain was beginning as we returned.

Whitethroat - my only bird of the day!

The Viking Ship Hugin on permanent display on the cliff top at Pegwell Bay, Ramsgate is a replica of a Viking ship which sailed from Denmark to Thanet in 1949 to celebrate the 1500th anniversary of the invasion of Britain, the traditional landing of Hengist and Horsa and the betrothal of Hengist's daughter, Rowena, to King Vortigen of Kent.

Out of 53 crewmen, only the navigator, Peter Jensen, was a professional seaman. Viking conditions were faithfully observed and the only instrument carried was a sextant. The 'Hugin' was offered as a gift to Ramsgate and Broadstairs by the Daily Mail in order to be preserved for posterity.

As there was no point in staying out, we returned via the shop and hoped for an evening walk if it cleared. We were in luck, the sun came out so a wander in the nearby woods above the cliffs. One thing made the walk as we started -a fox stopped and surveyed us for a few seconds, and then wandered away. Magic

 Index of posts

Mullon & Duddon Sands

So, last day, and where shall we go which is not too far away? So the choice was to the nearest coastal area, a few miles south and the town of Mullon, on the edge of the Duddon sands. The town looked a bit of a dump being dull and unkempt, having nothing particular to catch the eye. Parking? Prizes are available for finding anything!! First though, we carried on through the town to an RSPB site called Hodbarrow.

In the past this area, the Hodbarrow mine at Millom was one of the most successful iron ore mines in Cumberland (now Cumbria) not only for the amount of ore that was excavated but also for the quality of the Haematite.

Mining had been tried at Millom before 1855 but with little success. Two men Nathaniel Caine and John Barratt formed the Hodbarrow Mining Company in around 1855. One of the biggest problems at Hodbarrow was due to water and when the old workings collapsed the low lying areas flooded leaving the company with very little choice but to press on and in 1868 extra boreholes were sank and a huge body of Haematite was discovered. 

In 1869 work began on shaft No.1, No.2 and No.3 but shaft No.2 had to be abandoned in 1870 due to flooding, so work had to be started on a new shaft No4 which was operational around 1874. The problems with sand & water became worse, and in 1880 a large embankment was built but this was not as successful as first hoped. The Haematite, which came out of Hodbarrow, was some of the best in the area and was very highly valued. A second sea defence was built in the early 1900s to protect the mines and workings from the sea. This proved very successful and is still in good shape today. 

The Hodbarrow mine ceased production in 1967 after 112 years. In 1968 the iron works closed it doors for the last time.

The remains of Haverigg Mill, Hodbarrow 

The reserve continues to be protected from the sea by a seawall completed in 1905. Most of the area of the reserve is taken up by Hodbarrow Lagoon, a flooded part of the former mine, which is described as a "coastal lagoon", the largest coastal lagoon in Cumbria. 

Great looking site but, like all sites, would need a few visits to appreciate what was visible and when. Still, a lovely morning walk and Rosey had some great images of a warbler. 

Then, back to town for lunch but no joy parking so back to the cottage to finish off the odds and bits left in the fridge. 

On the way back we encountered our first rain of the week. Pretty good for the lake District I would say. 

Then some packing ready for the off early tomorrow.

Home    Forward     Back