Group Details For Birdwatching

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 2nd July, Barnack Hills & Holes

Meet at 10:30am on Wednesday 2nd July at the main car park for Barnack Hills & Holes NNR (TF074047) on Wittering Road, Barnack. This is about 12 miles from Peterborough. To get there, from Bretton Way, turn right at the roundabout for the Cemetery and Marholm. Proceed through Marholm and keep going to Ufford. In Ufford, take the left turn, opposite the White Hart pub, signposted to Barnack. Along this road, you will meet a T-junction where you turn right and then continue, eventually through Barnack village, until you get to a crossroads where you turn left following the signs towards Wittering. The reserve car park is on the left at about the end of the houses and has National Nature Reserve signs at the entrance.

The reserve consists of a Medieval quarry from where the stone for Peterborough and Ely Cathedrals came. The grassland that has formed over the humps and hollows is noted for its limestone flora and butterflies, amongst other things. We will walk round in a loop, returning to the car park by 12:30. These are field paths over undulating ground and there are no facilities on site.

The site is noted for Pasque Flower (we may see the remains of seed heads), orchids (Pyramidal Orchids may still be in flower, but most are now over) and other rare flora. It is also noted for butterflies: Marbled White and Chalk-Hill Blue should be flying, along with a number of other, commoner species. We should also find a range of field birds such as Yellowhammer and Linnet.

Future meetings

• Wed 6th Aug - Maxey/Etton area
• Wed 3rd Sep - Deeping Lakes
• Wed 1st Oct - Frampton Marsh RSPB
• Wed 5th Nov - Eyebrook Reservoir
• Wed 3rd Dec - Eldernell, Nene Washes