Print pageSeasonal highlights
Each season brings a different experience at our nature reserves. In spring, the air is filled with birdsong as they compete to establish territories and attract a mate. In summer, look out for young birds making their first venture into the outside world. Autumn brings large movements of migrating birds - some heading south to a warmer climate, others seeking refuge in the UK from the cold Arctic winter. In winter, look out for large flocks of birds gathering to feed, or flying at dusk to form large roosts to keep warm.
Spring
Courting marsh harriers can be seen performing their spectacular 'sky-dancing' displays. The reserve comes alive with the songs of spring migrants including sedge, reed and grasshopper warblers, cuckoos and whitethroats. Swallows and swifts dart across the pools where shovelers and gadwalls nest.
Summer
In summer, the fen is filled with a rich display of wild flowers. The reserve is host to a wide variety of butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies. Kingfishers may be seen around the pools or along the river. Hobbies can be spotted hunting dragonflies and marsh harriers and barn owls bring food to their young.
Autumn
In early autumn, wading birds can be seen on the reedbed pools where with luck you may catch a glimpse of a water rail feeding. With the first winter floods, teals and other ducks begin to arrive for the winter.
Winter
Ducks, including teals, gadwalls and shovelers, feed in the reedbed pools. Bitterns are more likely to be seen as visitors arrive from the continent. Towards dusk, marsh and hen harriers gather to roost.