News from the Fen
Hopefully the recent warm weather marks the start of a long hot summer. The
cold winter has certainly seemed to have put a brake on nature with many
species of spring flower only just beginning to appear, around three to four
weeks later than normal.
The Wicken Fen Visitor Centre has recently undergone a major refurbishment to improve visitor facilities and access to the fen. Following feedback from visitors we have installed a number of benches and seats around the fen to enable visitors to sit down and rest whilst soaking up the sights and sounds of the fen. We have also obtained an alcohol licence so visitors can now relax and enjoy a range of local beers and ciders in addition to our normal catering fare. Construction of the Reach Lode crossing, part of the Lodes Way is progressing with the central span due to be lifted into place at the end of May. Work is now set to begin on the construction of the cycleway across Burwell Fen. We hope that the bridge and cycleway will be opening at the beginning of September. Consultants have recently been appointed to design a new crossing over Burwell Lode, the final element of the Lodes Way which we hope to complete by 2013.
Local bird watchers have been delighted with recent sightings of avocet, temminck's stint and whimbrel on Tubney Fen, near Reach. Three pairs of avocet bred on Tubney Fen last year, the first ever recorded breeding of the species at Wicken Fen or the Vision lands. We are hopeful that the avocets will successfully breed again this year. A new bird viewing facility overlooking the mere enabling visitors to view the birds without disturbing them was constructed over the winter months. A turf roof and planting of additional screening cover will be undertaken in the autumn so as not to disturb the birds whilst they are breeding.
We were delighted to welcome our Patron, Chris Packham and the Springwatch camera's to Wicken Fen during May. Chris and the team spent a day filming dragonflies for this year Springwatch series. The Dragonfly Safaris organised by the Dragonfly Project are a great way to see and learn about the 21 species of dragon and damselflies that can be seen on the fen. Safaris are being held on Sat /Sun 12-13 June at 1100 and 1430. The Dragonfly Centre is also open at weekends throughout the summer.
Stand-up paddle boarding proved a great hit when we introduced it last year. There's still time to sign up for a Paddleboard Safari being held from Tues 1 - Friday 4 June. The three hour exploration of the local waterways around Wicken are a great to enjoy the magical wildlife and landscapes of the fen whilst getting some healthy exercise. For the half term holidays we also have Pond Dipping on Tues 1 and Thurs 3 June from 1200. Wicken Fen Grazing Warden, Carol Laidlaw will be leading a Konik Pony Walk, including the opportunity to see our new foals on Sat 5 June at 1030 whilst leading wetland researcher, Pete Stroh will introduce you to the fenland speciality plants on a Wildflower Walk on Sun 20 June at 1400. Why not relax after a hard week at week with a Midsummer Boat Trip and BBQ on Fri 18 June or enjoy a Midsummer Safari and Supper on Sat 26 June. Information and tickets for all events are available from the Visitor Centre on 01353 720274.
Hope to see you at the fen soon.