8 February 2006

Opportunities to visit a wildlife gem on Peterborough’s doorstep have been arranged by the RSPB.

The next in a series of Sunday afternoon guided walks at the RSPB’s Nene Washes nature reserve – known locally as the Whittlesey Washes – is on 19 February.

The walks in February and March will concentrate on the wintering waterfowl and birds of prey that use the Nene Washes. Despite a very dry winter, several thousand ducks of eight different species are concentrated here, plus about 1600 Bewick’s swans and some 300 whooper swans.

Birds of prey can include both marsh harriers and hen harriers and visitors can expect to see barn owls hunting over the washes.

short eared owl by Jonathan Taylor

Walks in the spring will look at breeding wading birds of the Washes, including the rare black-tailed godwit.

black-tailed godwit by Jonathan Taylor

stonechat by Jonathan Taylor

RSPB staff and volunteers will be running the walks starting at the car park at the end Eldernell, near Coates, on every other Sunday from 19 February until 28 May. Bookings for places on the guided walks can be made by telephoning 01733 205140. Each walk is expected to last about two hours. Families and beginners welcome; children should be accompanied by an adult. Sorry no dogs. The cost is adults £3, children £1, RSPB and RSPB Wildlife Explorer members half price.

Ouse Washes Panoramic by A Hay RSPB

Further information
Charlie Kitchin, Nene Washes reserve 01733 205140
07711 157859 (mobile)

Photographs of birds are available from Pat Knibb or Chris Durdin or at the RSPB’s Eastern England regional office on 01603 660066 or email patricia.knibb@rspb.org.uk or chris.durdin@rspb.org.uk

1. The RSPB in the Fens: the RSPB intends to create 5,000 hectares of new wetlands in the Fens in the next 20 years, and is part of the Wet Fens Partnership that is promoting wetland creation. New wetlands will prove a lifeline for birds and other wildlife, and provide local communities and visitors a chance to discover the unique fenland environment. The RSPB manages wet grazing marshes at the Ouse and Nene Washes in Cambridgeshire and is creating new freshwater wetlands at Lakenheath Fen in Suffolk, at the Hanson-RSPB wetland project at Needingworth in Cambridgeshire and adjacent to the Wash at Freiston Shore and Frampton Marsh in Lincolnshire.

Chris Durdin
Public Affairs Officer
RSPB Eastern England Office
www.rspb.org.uk
e-mail: chris.durdin@rspb.org.uk
tel 01603 660066 direct line 01603 697521

The RSPB is the UK charity working to secure a healthy environment for birds and wildlife, helping to create a better world for us all.