Wicken Fen

The old wind-pump at Wicken Fen

Wicken Fen in Cambridgeshire is one of Britain's oldest nature reserves.  It has been many years since I was last there, so when I saw a day course in moths was to be held there this July I booked myself on.  I have become very interested in moths over the last couple of years and regularly run a moth trap in my garden.

I decided I would take my camper and stay nearby the night before to make a weekend of it.  In fact I stayed the night after as well and had a good wander around the reserve the following day looking at all sorts of wildlife.

My Bongo on the Trelander Camping and Caravanning site, near Isleham

I arrived on site in time for a late lunch, followed by a good walk along the river bank.  Someone was having a party with a live band in their garden, so that was fun.  Shame I wasn't invited but they were pretty good!  The camp site was pretty peaceful though, just someone in a big tent and a German family staying in one of the chalets.

After a good night's sleep, except for a bit of early morning rain, I headed off to Wicken for the start of the course.  It was all very interesting and I saw lots of new moths including several of the specialities of the reserve.

Chevron

Beautiful China-mark

Reed Leopard

Afterwards I headed back to the camp site and booked myself in for another night.  It was a lovely evening but a bit breezy so I packed the awning away so it wouldn't flap in the night.

Next day, back at Wicken Fen, I spent the morning walking round the Nature Trail, about 2 1/2 miles in total, taking lots of photos of plants and insects.

Common Bladderwort, an insectivorous plant

Red Admiral butterfly

Roesel's Bush-cricket

Short-winged Cone-head, another type of cricket

Small China-mark, a day-flying moth

Some of the ponies used to graze the vegetation on the reserve.

After a late lunch in the cafe I headed for home.  I had a thoroughly enjoyable weekend.  I am now looking forward to my next expedition in the Bongo which will be a little further afield - 2 weeks in Pembrokeshire coming up soon!