Early Spring

Birds

The first half of March sees the arrival of the earliest summer migrants from Africa and the departure of many wintering birds. Sand Martins will be evident over rivers and lakes and Fieldfares and Redwings will be visible as they move north and eastwards back to breeding areas in Scandinavia. Skylarks will be singing at every given opportunity filing the air with their transcendent warbling. Marsh harriers become more obvious as they return to their fenland breeding haunts and by the end of April Cuckoo's will be calling and Swallows and Warblers will arrive in force.

Plants

The longer days encourage vibrant growth and new greenery erupts across the countryside. The Snowdrops and Crocuses of late winter give way to Daffodils, Primroses and Cowslips by the end of April. The Arum Lily also known as Lords and Ladies, Cuckoo Pint or Vicar in the Pulpit is a striking plant found easily growing within woodland and hedgerows. Patches of Reed (Phragmites) turn slowly from yellow and brown to verdant green as the new growth overtakes the spent seed-heads of last years growth.

Insects

The first bumble bees will have been out and about for a week or two before the vivid yellow Brimstone butterfly takes the wing. Along with the demure Orange-Tip butterfly these bright butterflies are the true heralds of spring. Later in late April St Mark's Fly emerge in great hordes hanging in the air, feet dangling filling the air as they wait to mate in warm, sheltered spots.

Mammals

Not difficult to see but not abundant in the winter are Rabbits, by the spring these breeders are churning out youngster by the warren load and can be seen in any suitable open area.

Amphibians

Early moving Smooth Newts (the most common in the UK) will start to move from their hibernacula to their breeding grounds in still waters. Accompanying them, and much easier to see, Frogs start to mate and leave their characteristic spawn for all to see.

Spring Ramble

There is no better time during the year to visit Wicken Fen than spring. To fully appreciate this glimpse of a fen landscape before drainage several visits to see the quickly changing springtime flora and fauna is recommended. Whilst the National Trust will be happy to accept your trade in cups of tea and cakes, our advised walk does not require you to pay to visit the reserve. This walk takes you along the public footpaths that traverse the area. Be advised though you do have to pay if you choose to start and finish your walk at the National Trust's car park.