The path alterations between the visitor centre, the washland viewpoint and the dipping pool are progressing well here at Lakenheath Fen. So far the new trails have all been dug and a long length has been given a layer of crushed concrete. The old trail to the dipping platform has been dug up, so access to it will now be via our new trail from the visitor centre. Hopefully the waters will recede before the dipping season starts as the platform itself is currently underwater!
Once all the crushed concrete has been smoothed off and tamped down we’ll need to add a layer of limestone dust to finish it off. The final trails will be wheelchair accessible and pushchair friendly so they need to have a nice smooth and flat surface. Due to the logistics involved with digging up the old trails while still being able to access the washland viewpoint, it’s likely we’ll open the new trails before the limestone dust is down but they will be fine for walking on. We’re hoping to fully finish them off next week with our team of trusty volunteers, armed with shovels and a motorised roller. Please keep an eye out for any signs in place about path closures and heavy machinery moving to and fro in this area. Make sure you come into the visitor centre at the start of your visit and we can give you the most up to date information.
New (unfinished) trail to dipping platform and the washland beyond by Ali Blaney
Fork in new trail to dipping pool and washland, looking back towards the visitor centre by Ali Blaney
In other reserve work, our work party last week involved another session of reed cutting and burning down in Joist Fen South reedbed. A very smoky bunch of volunteers came back to us at the end of the day! Work is progressing really well but with time getting on we’re aiming for just one final session there tomorrow. Spring is definitely arriving early this year and we don’t want to be causing any late disturbance in amongst the reeds. We need more reed to finish off the screening at the hide so much of what gets cut tomorrow will be bundled and used that way, especially if the weather forecast is correct as it may be too wet to burn.
To finish off, we had a surprise visitor in the office yesterday – a lovely smooth newt! I turned round from the bookcase to find it moving across the carpet, heading for the dark recesses under David’s desk. We’re not sure where it came from but we returned it safely outside onto a damp log pile. Perhaps the mild weather enticed it out for a walk? We love it when the wildlife comes to us! And even more wildlife came close to us literally just a few minutes ago - I was out by the dipping platform talking to contractor Paul about the work today and two cranes flew overhead and landed just past us in Brandon Fen grazing marsh! I've certainly not seen cranes in there before so it was very exciting, especially when they started dancing (their courtship display) - another first for me. It was an amazing sight and what a great way for some of our visitors to start off their trip here - it's not every day that a crane is the first bird you see at a reserve!
Smooth newt by Ali Blaney
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