HUNTINGDONSHIRE FAUNA & FLORA SOCIETY
SPRING/SUMMER PROGRAMME 2023

Sunday 23rd April                            2.30pm            Crown Lakes, Farcet

Leader: Barry Dickerson

The site was transformed back in 1997 by landowners O. & H. Hampton who have brought the site, from derelict land left over from the brick workings to what it is today. The park, covering 85 acres, can be found on the southern outskirts of Peterborough near the village of Farcet. Take Junction 16 when travelling north on the A1(M) and follow London Road/A15 and then Broadway/B1091. Take a turning on the left for Haddon Way and the car park is at Grid reference: TL198946, Postcode PE7 3AZ.

Sunday 14th May                              2.30pm            Archers Wood

Leader: Peter Lake

Archers Wood, near Sawtry, is owned by The Woodland Trust and covers 46 acres. It is a wet Ash/Field maple and Pedunculate oak/Hazel type woodland (NVC type W8). It also notably contains large number of Wild Service trees. Look out for its display of bluebells and other spring flowers. Directions: Leave the A1 at junction 15. At the roundabout take the first exit, and continue along Toll Bar Way, then turn right at the T-junction, signposted Coppingford. Continue until you see the wood on the left. Parking is in the laybys near the junction of St. Judith's Lane. Grid reference: TL172813

Sunday 11th June                            2.30pm           Madeleine's Patch Conservation

Leader: Steve Parnell/Barry Dickerson

Madeleine's Patch Conservation: creating new habitats to support increasingly threatened resident and migratory species - bees and butterflies will flourish on wildflower margins, otters and water voles in the ditches and reptiles and newts will shelter in newly created hibernacula - a place where these creatures can seek refuge, especially where such features are absent, or where traditional hibernation and refuge sites have been degraded. Parking available is in the yard at Greenwillows Farm, First Turf Fen Drove, Warboys PE28 2TZ. Grid reference: TL317821

Sunday 16th 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 13th August                         2.30pm            Grafham Water Lagoons    

Leader: Mike Drew/Catherine Keating

Grafham Reservoir was created in 1965 to provide people with drinking water and was immediately colonised by wildlife. The nature reserve surrounds the western side of the reservoir and contains ancient and plantation woodlands, grasslands and wetland habitats such as reedbeds, willow and open water. We will be surveying the lagoons on the edge of the reservoir. Directions: From the A1, take the turning west from the Buckden roundabout onto the B661 to West Perry. The car park (Plummer) is on the right, next to the reservoir.

Grid reference: TL162666

Sunday 17th September                  2.30pm            Hinchingbrooke Country Park  

Leader: Sam James/Gordon Wyatt

Hinchingbrooke Country Park covers 170 acres of open grasslands, mature woodland and lakes. All three species of British woodpecker can be seen here, along with nuthatch and marsh tit. Meet and park in the lower car park used for the winter programme of talks at

Grid reference: TL220716, next to the Countryside Centre if spaces are available.

Sunday 15th October                       2.00pm            Gamlingay Wood

Leader: Alan Robbins

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

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 www.hffs.org.uk.

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