HUNTINGDONSHIRE FAUNA & FLORA SOCIETY
SPRING/SUMMER PROGRAMME 2022
Subject to changes nearer the time if there are new restrictions due to Covid. Please check emails, if this is the case.
Sunday 15th MAY 2.30pm Gamlingay Wood
Leader: James Bonfield/Peter Lake
Gamlingay Wood is a Wildlife Trust ancient woodland, rich in flora and insects. From the A428, take the B2040 turning at Eltisley to Waresley. Just after leaving Waresley, there is a track to the left which takes you to the parking by the wood. Grid reference TL241537
Sunday 19th JUNE 2.30pm Somersham Local Nature Reserve
Leader: Peter Lake
Somersham Local Nature Reserve (LNR) is a wonderful example of how nature reclaims places if left alone. This was part of the railway line from Cambridge to March, built in 1848 for the transport of coal and agricultural produce before closing in 1967. The nature reserve of 12 hectares includes areas of woodland, grassland and wildflower meadows, a lake and wet woodland. The disused railway line is designated as a County Wildlife Site to recognise the importance of its neutral grassland within the county. The site is jointly owned by Cambridgeshire County Council and Somersham Parish Council. Park on Springfield in Somersham and car share if possible. Grid reference: TL365781.
Sunday 17th JULY 2.30pm Swaddywell Pit Nature Reserve
Leader: Stuart Irons
Swaddywell Pit Nature Reserve was originally owned by Charles Rothschild in the early 20th century and earlier in history it was made famous by the poet, John Clare in two poems ("I love thee Swordy Well"). This much maligned site (previously a quarry, refuse tip and race track) has been restored by the Langdyke Trust and is now rich with plants and insects during the Summer months. From the A1(M), take the A47 turning east and then take the turning north (Langley Bush Rd) towards Upton and stay on this road until you reach a crossroads. Turn right at the crossroads and the site is on the left (Stamford Stone).
Grid reference: TF115031.
Sunday 14th AUGUST 2.30pm Bainton Heath
Leader: Stuart Irons
The Langdyke Countryside Trust and the National Grid are working together near the village of Bainton to manage a twenty acre site owned by the National Grid. The site was a former tip for waste fly ash from power stations in the north of England, but has since been colonised by a fascinating variety of flowers, mosses, lichens, insects and birds. It also hosts strong breeding populations of summer migrants, including nightingales, cuckoos, chiffchaff, whitethroat, lesser whitethroat, and willow, sedge, reed and grasshopper warblers. Bainton Heath also has a strong and varied population of dragonflies, butterflies, beetles and other insects. Due to the unique nature of the site, many species of moss and lichen are present which are not normally natural to Cambridgeshire. The area also contains a small wood and a large pond. Meet at St. Marys Church, Church, Barnack Road, Bainton PE9 3AE.
Grid reference: TF092059.
Sunday 18th SEPTEMBER 2.30pm Woodwalton Fen
Leader: Peter Lake
Woodwalton Fen is part of the Great Fen project and it being linked up with Holme Fen. The plan is to look at both the original fenland and to look at how some of the newer areas are progressing. Meet at Jackson Bridge, at the bottom of Ramsey Heights Road.
Grid Reference: TL227258
Sunday 16th OCTOBER 2.00pm Waresley Wood.
Leader: Alan Robbins/Sheila Wells
For our Fungi Foray this year, we are planning to visit Waresley Wood.
When attending Field Meetings please wear sturdy footwear and clothing appropriate for the site conditions and weather. For further information about the summer programme please contact either Peter Lake on 01763-261554 or Barry Dickerson on 01480-475689.
For further information about the Society please go to http://hffs.org.uk/
DOWNLOAD THE ABOVE PROGRAMME AS A PDF
