Across the River Yare from Strumpshaw Fen are the less-visited but equally special nature reserves at Surlingham and Rockland. We have some great events coming up south of the river so if you have never been, why not come join us?
First we have a Wildflower Walk at Surlingham Church Marsh on Sat 19 May (10.30am-12.30pm). Join RSPB warden Matt for a trip into this wetland oasis to see some of the wealth of wetland wildflowers and other wildlife and, if you are lucky, to meet the Highland cattle that look after this special place. And if the walk gives you a hearty appetite we finish conveniently by the Surlingham Ferry Pub where lunch can be had.
Then on Sun 3 June, 8.30-10.30am, on the Rockland Wildlife Walk an RSPB warden will lead you around Rockland Broad and show you some of the birds, butterflies and dragonflies that live in this pretty corner of Broadland.
To book a place on either of these two events, please phone 01603 715191 or email strumpshaw@rspb.org.uk.
And if you want to immerse yourself in pondlife, our friends at Wheatfen are hosting an Introducing freshwater organisms workshop on Sunday 27th May (10am – 4pm) at the Ted Ellis Reserve study centre, Surlingham. You will get a broad introduction to freshwater organisms, collect animals from the pools and dykes and identify them using Stereo microscopes. To book a place on this workshop please phone Tony Leech on 01263 712282.
Visited Rockland on Saturday. Several Hairy Hawkers and Quite a fair number of Scarce Chasers.