10 nature-based activities across Cambridgeshire this spring
– As spring arrives in the Fens, here are 10 fun activities recommended for nature lovers of all ages –
As the approaching spring nudges us towards warmer weather and blue skies, it’s a fantastic time to take a walk through the fields, and along the banks of the Old West River, to spot the first signs of growth and regeneration.
Here are 10 exciting activities recommended by the nature experts at New Life on the Old West that you can enjoy with family and friends across Cambridgeshire this spring. If you choose to get involved, tell us about it on social media using the hashtag #NewLifeOldWest – we’d love to hear from you!
- Discover the wildlife living in your garden or local green spaces by taking part in our May BioBlitz (in partnership with National Trust Wicken Fen). Over the weekend of 14th and 15th May we will be hosting a series of expert-led recording sessions including a bat walk, grassland surveys and a dawn chorus walk. More details on our website soon!
- Enjoy a leisurely boat trip at Wicken Fen. The open boat ‘Mayfly’ restarts its peaceful exploration of the waterways at this brilliant National Trust reserve from March. A perfect springtime activity for all the family.
- Explore the Cambridgeshire countryside on a nature walk. Head to Little Thetford to walk along the Old West River and enjoy views across to Ely Cathedral! Try one of our New Life nature walks and let us know what wildlife you see. Share your photos with us using #newlifeoldwest.
- Don your wellies, cross the Norfolk border & explore WWT Welney. In spring many breeding birds use this wetland reserve. See if you can spot lapwing, avocet or redshank chicks, and enjoy the visiting warblers in full song.
- Watch the birds in your garden flock to an apple bird feeder! Birds love sunflower seeds and apples, so combine these favourite foods into one in this great idea from the RSPB. Can you draw the feeder and the birds? If you do, send the pictures to us via social media using the hashtag #newlifeoldwest or email them to us at info@newlifeoldwest.org.uk.
- Moths are much more than just butterflies without make-up. They’re diverse, fascinating and easy to find. Spring is a great time to explore the amazing world of moths. You could just turn on a light outside and watch the moths flock to you but for a more ‘scientific approach, visit the RSPB website for a downloadable guide to moths and how to watch them.
- Wander through tree blossom, tulips, daffodils and wildflowers as they spring into life. Flowers may be found on verges and in hedgerows as well as in more formal gardens. For a special treat visit Anglesey Abbey, a National Trust property near Cambridge, for a wonderful day out.
- Set the alarms for silly o’clock and join BCN Wildlife Trust at the Great Fen for a Dawn Chorus walk. Learn to identify which birds are singing as the sun rises at this wild Fenland reserve – for more details and to book click here.
- Plan ahead for summer. See our website for event details and join us and support the NLOW team! There are lots of wildlife-based activities coming up including:
- Saturday 18th June: Join us in Haddenham for Celebrate the Fens Day
- Friday 29th July: Open for Nature Day in Rampton
- Wednesday 10th August: Open for Nature Day in Over
- Capture the Signs of Spring. We want to see your photographs that show spring blooming across the Cambridgeshire countryside! Share them with us using the hashtag #newlifeoldwest or email them to us at info@newlifeoldwest.org.uk. Remember to keep an eye out for our next photo competition!
New Life on the Old West (NLOW) is a National Lottery Heritage Fund supported programme delivering small-scale habitat improvements across part of the Cambridgeshire Fens. If you’d like to become a volunteer, doing something as simple as recording wildlife spotted on a walk, or supporting community activities, do get in touch via info@newlifeoldwest.org.uk
Choose to get outside and enjoy our wonderful Fens this Spring.
