The NDPS Nature and Wildlife Group will be visiting one of the most popular and interesting reserves throughout Norfolk and Suffolk - Strumpshaw Fen this month on the 22nd August.
The hides are open subject to wearing a mask and social distancing. There are no particular food facilities although there is a coffee machine. A packed lunch might be worth considering, there are numerous picnic tables scattered throughout the site.
In summer, the fen meadow comes alive with a rich display of wild flowers, including six species of orchid and the reserve is host to a wide variety of butterflies, dragonflies, and damselflies.
Strumpshaw is one of the best places at this time of year to spot the Kim Kardashian of the butterfly world the spectacular Swallowtail Butterfly which can be seen from late May to mid-August. Up to 20 kinds of dragonfly can also be seen, including Willow Emerald and the rare Norfolk hawkers.
In addition, Strumpshaw has the full range of Broadland habitats and wildlife. Walk round the reed beds, woodlands and orchid-rich meadows and you could chance upon the spectacular Marsh Harriers, the secretive and illusive Bitterns, or the brilliantly coloured Kingfishers. Cetti’s Warblers also nest at Strumpshaw along with Otters and Water Voles and you may even be lucky enough to see Lizards basking in the Summer sunshine.
Meet as usual in the car park at 10.00am - Car parking is FREE for RSPB members otherwise charges normally apply.
Please note:
Don’t forget to check the arrangements before setting out if there has been extreme weather overnight.
About the NDPS Nature & Wildlife Group
The Nature and Wildlife Group is the newest of the Society’s Special Interest Group being formed in 2019 in response to the demands from members to include outdoor shoots in the annual programme for this genre of photography. If you want to learn more speak to Keith Garnham who is currently the leader of the group.
Monthly shoots are planned so that members can explore all that Norfolk has when it comes to wildlife habitat. It has a wide variety of land types it has chalk rivers, ancient woodland, fertile farmland, fen, broad, and breck. A coast line that is full of variety, internationally important wetlands, marshes, and sandy beaches. The shallow North Sea is a powerhouse of potential feeding for visiting mammals, fish, and birds all that are interconnected in the circle of life.
From time to time, the Group also plans to organise specialists shoots further afield such as the visit in October 2019 to witness the deer rut at Bradgate Park in Leicestershire.
Please remember, our group can only be as good as the input made by its members so if you are willing to organise or lead any kind of event that you think will be of interest to members, please step forward. Please don’t be shy – all offers of help will be greatly appreciated…!