19 February 2008

CAMBRIDGESHIRE’S UNSUNG WILDLIFE SPECTACLE

Nene Washes by A. Hay

Where can you see more than 20,000 birds on Peterborough’s doorstep?

The answer will be revealed before the eyes of participants in a series of Sunday afternoon guided walks at the RSPB’s Nene Washes nature reserve.

The first of these is on 24 February and the RSPB is hoping these will events attract new visitors to the nature reserve, known locally as the Whittlesey Washes – where scenes were shot for the Oscar-nominated film ‘Atonement’.

The walks in February and March will concentrate on the wintering waterfowl and birds of prey that use the Nene Washes.

Following flooding in January, pools left on the grassland are attracting large numbers of ducks, including up to 10,000 wigeons, 1,000 pintails and 450 pochards. Some 10,000 lapwings, 600 Bewick’s swans and some 300 whooper swans add to the spectacle.

The Nene Washes are also noted for birds of prey, which can include marsh harriers, peregrines, buzzards and merlins. Visitors have a good chance of seeing two types of owls – barn owls and short-eared owls – that often hunt over the marshes in daylight.

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

RSPB staff and volunteers will be running the walks starting at the car park at the end of Eldernell Lane, near Coates (signposted from the A605), on various Sundays from 24 February until 18 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.
  

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