News from Wicken Fen
There have been numerous sightings of Bittern, one of Britain's most
elusive and endangered wetland species at the fen in recent weeks.
. Although we have Bitterns at the fen it is believed that some of the
birds have most probably migrated from mainland Europe to escape
the harsh conditions being experienced there this winter.
Our highland cattle and konik ponies thrived in the recent arctic conditions, including the latest arrivals, Auyara, a konik pony foal born on 9 December, and Norman, a highland calf born on 17 December. The highland calf was only hours old when the temperatures plunged as the first snows of winter arrived on 17 December. The mother hid the calf in the undergrowth to protect it from the freezing temperatures and biting winds and he is now doing well and roaming with the rest of the herd.
Admission to Wicken Fen will be free on Tuesday 2 February as we mark World Wetlands Day with a joint celebration with the Great Fen Project, near Peterborough. The programme of free activities include Bird Ringing Demonstration (1000 -1200) guided walks around Adventurer's Fen (1100) Sedge Fen (1430), talks on the Wicken Fen Vision (1100), Great Fen Project (1145) and the Wicken Fen / Great Fen monitoring project being conducted by Anglia Ruskin University (1330) and Hen Harriers at dusk (1600 onwards)
We are holding a series of Community Tree Planting Days on White Fen, near Lode, on Sundays 31 January, 28 February and 28 March (1000 - 1400). The plan is to create a woodland habitat of native species such as hawthorn and field maple. All you need to bring is some stout shoes or wellies and gloves, we will provide tools and instruction and most importantly trees. White Fen can easily be reached on foot or bike from Lode via Fen Road and White Fen Droveway or from the North on foot or bike via the new Swaffham Bulbeck Lode Bridge. Limited parking is available on site. For further information please call Community Warden, Emma Shepherd on 01353 720274.
We have a number of activities over the forthcoming February half term holidays. Make a Natural Birdfeeder on Mon / Tues 15 & 16 (drop-in anytime from 1200 -1500) £1.75 per feeder; Arty Party Wed 17th 1030 or 1400 £4.50 and Messy Monsters Fri 19th 1030 or 1400 £4.50. Tickets and information available from the Wicken Fen Visitor Centre on 01353 720274. Please book early as spaces are limited.
If you're visiting the fen, February onwards is normally a good time to see grey herons nesting. The heronry is located in trees and bushes close to the mere and can easily be seen from the Tower Hide alongside Wicken Lode.