Late Spring

Birds

Late Spring is punctuated by the frantic activity of mating and nest building. Ely is the only City in England where the Bittern can be heard booming it's mating call across the fens close to the East of the City. In the same area Marsh harriers can regularly be seen coming into roost in the warmer and lighter evenings

Plants

The warmth of Late Spring pushes on the growth and trees are now fully into leaf. Bluebells litter the floor of deciduous woodland, and together with Cow Slips the hedgerows of the Fens share their space with many more wild flowers. For those who like to search out the rarer plants, Orchids can be found proudly showing their temporal beauty

Insects

Yellow Brimstone and Orange-Tip butterflies are joined by more insect life as the Spring matures. Hover-flies start to be seen hanging above warm sheltered spots, or following you along a path in the early evening

Mammals

With the warming of the season many mammals start to pair and mate. Foxes, hedgehogs and badgers are key among those who can become more easily seen in Late Spring. Remember hedgehogs don't like milk (it causes problems with their digestion) they prefer water, and badgers like peanut butter on bread!

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.