December 28, 2021
Too warm in the Warden’s office?
The office at Wheatfen Nature Reserve is nothing more than a glorified shed. I am not complaining; a lack of insulation does not bother me, nor does the 1950s style…
December 2, 2021
Teddy Bear on the fen
Lost in tranquil thought, hands deep in my pockets to keep them warm with my head boughed in the classic Warden-chewing-the-cud pose, I skulked along Boundary Path... Chinese water deer…
December 2, 2021
The Legend of Amblyjoppa
“That’s not the one,” I exclaimed as I glowered at the evil looking insect in the glass jar. “The one we are after is twice as big as that!” Alas,…
July 8, 2021
Grass snakes at Wheatfen
Two outstretched front legs and a small head protruded from its mouth. The light in the prey’s eyes appeared to have faded; it was helpless, caught in the vice like…
January 11, 2021
Spring is just around the corner
A new year, a new lockdown. Outside it’s cold, wet, dark and gloomy. Completing the winter work programme at Wheatfen has become a growing challenge with the recent floods, alongside…
July 23, 2020
Return of the silver washed fritillary butterflies
If you go down to the woods today, you’re sure of a big surprise. And I don’t mean the hordes of humming mosquitos, ready to pounce on the unwary visitor…
May 28, 2020
“Rats” under the Warden’s office?
It was that time of the year again; April, and time to complete an annual claim form for the Rural Payments Agency. This is part of our Countryside Stewardship agreement…
April 13, 2020
The arrival of spring at Wheatfen
As the lockdown continues across the country in the fight against the coronavirus, people are doing a tremendous job at resisting the urge to break the rules and rush out…
March 29, 2020
In recognition of Wheatfen’s volunteers
The big, green reciprocating mower had been cleaned, greased and oiled. I had lovingly polished it until it shone in the sunlight... Teamwork makes the dream work! (photos by Rodger…
March 2, 2020
The elusive Wheatfen otters
“Give it a sniff,” they said. “What will it smell like?” I asked in reply, wrinkling my nose at the thought of it... I suspiciously eyed the dark-grey spraint neatly deposited…
February 9, 2020
The early signs of spring at Wheatfen
The short, dark days of January have finally been left behind as we march into the month of hope – February. That hope is for the longer, milder days, the…
December 22, 2019
Christmas at Wheatfen
The varied mood swings of the fen are far from subtle during the short daylight hours of mid-winter. We hope and yearn for those crisp, bright, sunny days where the…