Exciting nature-based spring/summer events from the NLOW team
As spring is now here and wildlife is reawakening, it’s the perfect time for us to shout about just a few of the wonderful nature-based events that the NLOW project team have planned for this spring and summer. There really is something for everyone so if you would like to marvel at migrating birds, develop your dragonfly identification skills, or are simply optimistic that you could spot an otter, then we would love for you to join us!
SAVE THE DATES – Open for Nature Days
Saturday 24th June – Haddenham
Saturday 12th August – Cottenham
After the success of our Open For Nature Days in 2022, we are so pleased to be hosting these fantastic community events. Open For Nature days are designed for people of all ages to learn more about the wildlife in their local area. We will be joined by local wildlife experts and groups such as the RSPB, Cambridgeshire Mammal Group and the Bumblebee Conservation Trust who will be hosting displays, running workshops and telling you all about what you can see in our local area. We will also have local produce for sale, including organic apple juice from Fen End Farm!
Super Spring and Summer Events
Here’s just a snapshot of what we have planned:
19th April – Free Guided Walk around the Great Fen with the Wildlife Trust BCN
Join us for this free guided walk at BCN Wildlife Trust’s Great Fen reserve. Led by reserve staff this is a fantastic opportunity to explore this expanding reserve and learn about its history, management and wildlife.
18th May – Summer Migrant Bird ID workshop with David Chandler
Led by local writer and wildlife guide David Chandler, we will explore RSPB Fen Drayton Lakes. Concentrating upon migrant birds – such as the warbler family – we will learn to identify species both visually and by song and calls. Repeated on Wednesday 24 May.
20th May – Otter and Water Vole Workshop with Cliff Carson
Discover two secretive marvellous mammals – otters and water voles. This is a two-part workshop with Part 1 indoors learning how to find the signs of both species and part 2 where you will put your skills into practice in a nearby habitat.
8th June – Cuckoo Walk at Wicken Fen with Nick Davies
Join cuckoo expert Nick Davies for a guided walk around the National Trust’s Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve. We’ll go onto Sedge Fen to look for cuckoos and their reed warbler hosts. Mysterious and deceptive, there will be opportunity to learn all about the cuckoo’s masterful trickery.
20th July – Dragonfly and Damselfly Walk at RSPB Ouse Fen with David Chandler
Discover Cambridgeshire’s wonderful dragonflies and damselflies, and practise your identification skills, with this free guided walk with local wildlife expert David Chandler. David will help you to tell your Southern Hawker from your Broad-bodied Chaser, and other useful tips for how to identify the variety of species seen in the fens. Event repeated on Saturday 22nd July.
You can find out more about each event and book your free place by visiting our website. Do also watch this space for newly added activities!
If you have any questions about our events, or suggestions for other activities, please feel free to email Olivia on info@newlifeoldwest.org.uk.
New Life on the Old West (NLOW) is a Heritage Lottery-funded programme delivering small-scale habitat improvements across the Cambridgeshire Fens. If you’d like to become a volunteer doing something as simple as counting wildlife spotted on a monthly walk or supporting community activities, do get in touch via info@newlifeoldwest.org.uk
