We meet at locations which vary through the seasons depending on what wildlife is about. Whilst most of the sites we visit are fairly close to Peterborough, we do visit a few more distant sites up to about 35 miles away. Walks are sedate ambles at "birdwatching pace", none are particularly strenuous. Suitable clothing and footwear is essential for conditions on the day. You will need a pair of binoculars and a telescope will be useful at some of the larger sites. We are an informal, sociable group and beginners are welcome as well as experienced birders. Whilst we are mainly a birdwatching group, there are opportunities to see all other forms of flora and fauna.
Wednesday 4th March, Deeping Lakes
Meet at 10:30am on Wed 4th March at the Deeping Lakes reserve car park (
TF234059). This is about 12 miles from Peterborough. To get there, follow the B1166 from the Deepings towards Crowland. As you leave Deeping St James, you go over a level crossing, past the Exotic Pet Refuge and then the road turns sharp left at the flood bank of the River Welland. At this corner, take a right turn into the Nature Reserve - there is a Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust sign at the entrance gate. Follow the rather wet and potholed gravel track for about 400m to the car park.
We will walk around the reserve, visiting the hide, and aim to return to the car park around 12:30. The paths are rather wet and muddy at present so waterproof shoes or boots will be needed. There are no facilities on the reserve.
The reserve supports a good range of wildfowl as well as scrub and hedgerow birds. Targets will include Long-eared Owls which roost near the hide and Little Owl at the west end of the reserve. Three Glossy Ibis have taken up residence (at least one of them has been here for more than 2 years at this point!) so we will look for them - but they fly out to feed during the day, so no guarantees! We may also encounter some of the first summer migrants - Sand Martins and Chiffchaff are amongst the earliest arrivals and both occur here.
Future meetings
- Wed 1st Apr - Old Sulehay
- Wed 3rd May - Castor Hanglands