This will be our July social event at Fen Drayton Lakes.
On our social strolls around the lakes, we've tried to learn a little about everything we can see and hear in the world around us, from bird song to lichen: but obviously absolutely key to the environment is the lakes themselves, and the creatures and ecosystems that live within them. Now the water levels have dropped and the platforms are accessible and dry we have a perfect chance to do some pond-dipping, and see what we can find and identify.
I will bring some nets and trays, and we'll see what pond life we can catch, returning it to the lakes once we've had a chance to examine it. There are two sites we can try. I'll run the event for for about 2 hours, but you are welcome to leave earlier: we'll never be far from the car park.
Please bring hand sanitiser: it's important to clean your hands after contact with the lake water. Children are welcome at the event, as long as parents take responsibility for keeping them safe near the water. We'll limit the number of people on platforms at any one time to reduce the risk of accidental immersion. No dogs for this event, please, to help protect anything we find.
I'll keep an eye on the weather, and may reschedule if it looks like rain. Please wear sensible footwear and be prepared for British Weather. If you have binoculars, please bring them as we'll also be looking at any birds that are around.
I know some wild flowers and can ID a fair range of birds but I am not a wildlife expert: and in particular, not experienced with pond life. I'll bring some books/charts, but 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! If anyone with a bit of expertise in water weed, beetles and creatures wants to come along and share what they know, you will be very welcome!
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. If you are coming on the bus, you will find us at the car park about 100m North from the busway stop.
During the event I will take a voluntary subscription (£2 / attendee suggested): the running costs for the Meetup group have been shooting up, so it's unlikely there will be anything left over, but if there is I'll put it into a pot for a special event with a real (paid) expert to talk us through something interesting.
