Between the 27 July and the 9 August 2015, I worked at RSPB Lakenheath Fen on a work experience placement. During my time at the reserve, I was lucky enough to spend time with all the fantastic staff and volunteers at the reserve.
Throughout my time at the reserve, I learnt a tremendous amount about the constant management that the reserve requires. Also, spending time with Dave- the Site Manager- gave me an insight into the complex control of the water levels throughout the reserve. At Lakenheath Fen, there is a lot of seepage through the river bank which means the area nearest the river is the wettest and as you move towards the railway line, the land get drier. To check that this is the case and that the water is at the correct level, there are a series of sluices that can be altered depending on how high the water is.
Working with the two Wardens at Lakenheath Fen- Emma and Katherine- allowed me to carry out different surveys and maintenance work on the reserve. The maintenance work I carried out at Lakenheath Fen included cutting back the overhanging plants to clear walkways. However the most enjoyable work I was able to do with Katherine and Emma was the surveying. The survey that I took part in was carried out to try and determine the number of marsh carpet moth caterpillars at Lakenheath Fen. Marsh carpet moths are a rare moth and the caterpillars will only feed on one type of plant- common meadow rue- which in itself is scarce. However, some can be found at Lakenheath Fen.
Common meadow rue:
Image credit: Katherine Puttick
Marsh carpet moth caterpillar:
Image credit: Norman Sills
Marsh carpet moth:
Image credit: Lee Gregory
On Tuesdays and Thursdays, a group of volunteers help with the management of plants and different habitats at the reserve. I timed my work experience perfectly to help out with the control of ragwort- a plant which is poisonous to livestock and will take over if not managed correctly. This was a very arduous and repetitive activity but a very important one to do at the reserve, as cows play an important role with management at the reserve. It was nice to meet all the friendly and hardworking volunteers that work at Lakenheath Fen. Being part of these work parties allowed me to go to places on the reserve that are not normally open to the public. This enabled me to see the two resident pairs of cranes, as well as their three young.
Ragwort:
Cranes:
Image credit: Dave Rogers
The Big Wild Sleepout on the final weekend of my work experience was an incredibly enjoyable event to be part of as families came to the reserve to camp overnight and take part in events such as: a bat walk, stargazing and checking the moth traps. I particularly enjoyed looking at the moth traps as it was very exciting to see which species you have got and this varies every time. The sleep out event was a tiring but fun experience which was incredibly well organised by David (thanks Owen! Ed.) and it was great to see all the staff and volunteers work so well together throughout.
To conclude, I had a fantastic time at Lakenheath Fen during my work experience placement. It was great to spend time with all the members of staff to see how each role has different responsibilities at the reserve.
If you have been inspired by Owen’s blog post and would like volunteer with the RSPB, please visit the volunteering pages on our website. They can be found here.