RSPB Strumpshaw Fen, Norfolk, England

A delightful reserve, teeming with wildlife at this time of year. The staff are particularly friendly and very helpful. The reserve visitor centre is based on a traditional wooden hide. Charming. I visited particularly to see the Swallowtail Butterflies and was well rewarded even though the weather was inclement. Such a large butterfly. Alas, not close enough for a photograph. The Meadow walk is excellent and after sitting for about 45 minutes, two Chinese Water Deer appeared from the tall grass. Further round, by the river Yare, Marsh Harriers were feeding, and many swallows were busying themselves on the abundant insect life. You would not know there’s a crisis in insect life going here! Well worth a day or two out of your holidays. Just a few miles off the A47 via country roads. Come by boat too!

Bee on Cow Parsley, Black and Yellow Longhorn Beetle on Dog Rose, Hover Fly on Poppy, Painted Lady Red Admiral butterflies and solo poppy.

RSPB Strumpshaw Fen, Low Road, Strumpshaw, Norwich NR13 4HS Grid ref TG341065

Frampton Marshes July 18th 2017

‘Tatty’ Red Admiral at RSPB Frampton Marshes 18th July 2017.

Went back to Frampton Marshes this week. Quite active site. The Spoonbills are still there, but i never saw them. These shots taken towads the 360 degree hide in the tall Teasel.

Slightly lazy Peacock Butterfly near the 360 degree hide.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There was a nice display from two Lapwings. Film to follow.

RSPB Wallasea Island Reserve: Update Two

River Crouch from Wallasea Island

I checked out Wallasea Island last week to see how the new extentions to the land were progressing. It’s going to become as wonderful wildlife reserve once all the construction traffic has been removed. I think they are there till 2019, so don’t hold your breath! However, it is still a nice country, or rather sea wall walk, with some fine views. Birds are scarce where the paths are as they are close to the construction traffic. I did see a few waders and possibly some Avocets on the far bank of one of the new lgoons being constructed.

Getting to it is not easy. It’s not signposted until you see ‘Wallasea Island’ some way north of Rochford. The reserve is about 9 miles north of Southend on Sea and 12 miles south of Chelmsford. Best approach from the north is via the A130 and the bridge over the River Crouch at Battlesbridge.

During the winter I suspect there is a good chance of flooding on the approach road. The facilities consist of a shelter, one of the latest eco-shelters. (See photo below). That’s it and the car park is small right now, enough for about twenty cars or so.

More information can be found here

RSPB Wallasea Island

Went to Wallasea Island in South Essex today. I will report on the changes at RSPB soon, but here’s a single picture from one of the local creeks.

 

Wallasea Island, Essex, Shaun Villiers-Everett July 2015