News from the Fen
Spring is breaking out all over the fen -many of our over-wintering birds have left and we await the arrival of our summer visitors. Hopefully one of the first will be the cuckoo which normally arrives in the middle of the month. A documentary on the cuckoo recorded by the BBC Natural History Unit at Wicken Fen is scheduled to be broadcast on BBC Radio 4 on Tuesday 5 April at 11.02 and repeated on Thursday 7 April at 21.02
Planting has begun on the Lode with Longmeadow Community Woodland on White Fen, near Lode. On a recent tree planting day volunteers managed to plant over 800 trees in a day. The woodland is one of five being created as part of the Planting Parishes initiative organised by East Cambs District Council and the Woodland Trust aimed at eventually increasing tree cover in East Cambridgeshire by 5-10%.
Easter is fast approaching and we have a range of fun activities and events planned for the holidays. The Great Wicken Fen Easter Trail runs from Good Friday to Easter Monday, 10am -5pm each day. Follow the Easter trail around the Boardwalk to claim your delicious chocolate Egghead -there will also be free face painting on Easter Sunday and Monday. The trail costs £1.50 per child (normal admission applies). Other fun events for the school holidays include Fairies and Pixies - discover the magical secrets of the fen, Mon 11 April 10.30 or 2pm; Pond Dipping for All - a 30 minute pond dipping session £1.50 with optional minibeast hunt 75p, Tues 12 & 19 April from 12.00; Springtime Arts and Crafts, Wed 13 & 20 April 10.30 or 2pm, Mud Glorious Mud -the perfect chance to get really mucky!, muddy art, construction and games, Fri 15 April 10.30 or 2pm and Wicken Warriors -Tracks & trails, wildlife detection and wild skills, Mon 18 April at 10.30 or 2pm. Tickets for children's events are £4.50 -advance booking is essential.
Additional events during April include, Willow Birds Workshop on Sat 2 April 10am-4pm £55; Spring Walk with the Wardens on Sun 10 April 2pm £6.50 includes tea and a slice of cake. Don't forget its Mothering Sunday on 2 April -why not treat your mum to a delicious high tea at Wicken Fen. Information/Tickets for all events available on 01353 720274