This will be our May social stroll around Fen Drayton Lakes. I'll scout the reserve beforehand and try to lead us to anything interesting that is going on.
Hopefully, by early May the current cold spell will have broken, and everything should be a bit warmer - and still vibrant, full of bloom, birdsong, and the energy of spring. Cuckoos are now calling, and if we get lucky, we might even hear a bittern (as we did on the April stroll!).
I am hoping to get some nets and trays and do a bit of pond dipping from one of the docks, and see what pond (lake!) life we can find. This will depend quite a bit on weather and water level, so we'll see how it goes.
I aim to be out for about 3 hours, but you are welcome to leave earlier: in general, I try to never get too far from the car park, but the route also depends on the state of the paths and what's happening on the reserve at the time, and sometimes the things I most want to share are a little further away.
I know the reserve very well, can ID some of the things we stand a chance of seeing, but I'm a long way from an expert. I'd really love everyone to be pitching in what they know: the world is full of things to understand and explore, and the more you look, the more you see!
Binoculars strongly recommended, if you have any: I don't have spares to share, but it will still be a nice nature stroll without. Paths will be muddy and wet, so please wear suitable footwear, and come prepared for British Weather. The site is prone to flooding (especially after the very wet weather this year) - so please check the event the day beforehand, as I will cancel or move the event if the site is not open (I will also move/cancel if very heavy rain is forecast).
This event is appropriate for children. Rules for dogs can be found on the RSPB site below: please do follow them, to help preserve the nature we are here to enjoy!
Directions here: https://www.rspb.org.uk/days-out/reserves/fen-drayton-lakes/location
NOTE THAT the lane to the car park is quite rough, and if coming from Fen Drayton has quite deep potholes, so if you are coming by car please do take care. The reserve is easily reached from the guided busway.
During the event I will take a voluntary subscription (£1 / attendee suggested): this will go towards the running cost for the Meetup group, and then anything left over I'll put into a pot - and when we have enough I'll put it towards a special even with a real (paid) expert to talk us through something interesting.
