I have been in post as the visitor officer here at Fen Drayton Lakes for just three weeks, I have spent the last year studying countryside management at Nottingham Trent University, which was a great experience, and am really looking forward to working on the reserve this summer putting theory into practice! I know the reserve well from volunteering but I am still amazed at the diversity of the flora and fauna that can be seen at this time of year and the variety of habitats on site, it really fits in well with our goal of giving nature a home.
The edges of Ferry Lagoon are teaming with damselflies such as the common blue and red eyed and the beautifully coloured dragonflies are busy showing off their astonishing aerial manoeuvres, they really are the experts of aerodynamic engineering! (Lots more info at http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/features/dragonsden.aspx)
The wildflowers are out in force decorating the trail edges with their vivid colours which in turn attract the butterflies, the vipers bugloss and bee orchids are particular highlights at the moment. Small tortoiseshell and meadow brown are in abundance and there have been sightings of the rarer ringlet and large skipper.
Bee Orchid, Andy Hay (rspb-images.com)
The last of the cuckoos will have started the long trip back to Africa; their young will follow in about a month after they are fully fledged. The terns have been busy this year making full use of the purpose built rafts that provide the ideal habitat for breeding and rearing their young, the last of which are fledging now and making their first tentative flights. The best places to see them are from the hide on Moore Lake or from the viewing area near the car park on Ferry Lagoon.
We have had several sightings of the rare turtle dove this year all across the reserve which is exciting as the population of this evocative summer visitor has been in decline for several years and is now on the red list for conservation concern. Our on going conservation work in improving the habitat will ensure that these wonderful birds return year after year. (see an explanation of the red list at http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/status_explained.aspx)
The song of the nightingale has also been heard over the last few weeks but this secretive bird is often difficult to spot as it likes nothing better than hiding in the middle of an impenetrable bush or thicket, let us know if you manage to see one.
Very soon we will be revealing our summer events and activities programme, on the website, which will be packed full of fun and interesting things to do for the whole family. If there is anything that you would like to do over the summer on the reserve then let us know and we will see if can incorporate it into the schedule.
We look forward to seeing you soon.
Pete Stroud, Visitor Officer, Fen Drayton lakes