The annual PSL event this year is based at Woodwalton Fen in Cambs. Woodwalton is one of the last fragments of the great fen that once stretched over a huge area of East Anglia. It is managed by Natural England and still holds important popultions of some fantastic species. The reserve holds over 1000 moth species, 800+ beetles (especially water beetles) and some very rare plants. It is also a great site for Chinese Water Deer and holds Otters and good numbers of Water Voles. Dragonflies include Scarce Chaser and important plants include Fen Ragwort and Fen Woodrush.
The fenland landscape here varies from open water, through reedbeds, wet fen and ditches to scrub and woodland. We have permission to access most of the reserve, although there are some areas grazed by skittish cattle which we shall avoid. Some ditch systems are the target of monitored management programmes - I will provide maps. All records will be fed back to the site managers.
On Saturday night, we shall run moth traps. We will target some very scarce fenland species, although the elusive Marsh Carpet would be an awesome find if it still occurs here.
The reserve lies between Peterborough and Huntingdon and is signposted from the approach roads around the village of Ramsey. There is parking along the entrance road.
Please meet at the entrance at 10 am on Saturday morning. As with previous annual events, this is intended for those who have submitted PSL lists and to encourage people to submit if they haven't already done so. However, please do not feel put off if you are a beginner or don't know anyone in the group. We are all very firendly and everyone has their areas of knowledge!
We shall spend both days on the reserve itself. Options include pond and ditch dipping as well as sweep netting and tray beating, so feel free to bring appropriate gear.
Facilities at Woodwalton are limited although there are toilets along the entrance road. Please bring lunch and drinks with you. Although road access is only possible to the entrance, there are some great areas very close to this and the rides are wide and mostly level.
I have booked a table for a group meal nearby, for 8 pm on teh Saturday night. Please let me know if you would like to come. Again all are welcome :)
Cheers!
Jonathan