Fungi at Woodwalton Fen

Guy Pilkington

Crane Fly

Guy Pilkington

Grey Heron against an autumn sky

Guy Pilkington

Autumn Berries

Guy Pilkington

Teal landing

Guy Pilkington

Otter swimming

Guy Pilkington

Treecreeper in winter

Guy Pilkington

Bittern

Guy Pilkington

Autumn and Winter Wildlife

Autumnal changes

Autumn is a time of change for wildlife on the Fen. In September most of the summer migrant birds begin to leave, being replaced in October and November by those that have bred further north. Numbers of ducks, geese and swans increase, joining the residents on the meres in Holme and Woodwalton Fens. There are regularly Mallard, Pochard, Gadwall, Tufted Duck, Greylag Geese, Great Crested Grebes, Moorhens and Coot. More unusual visitors, such as Bitterns and Bearded Tits sometimes lurk in the reedbeds at this time of year.

The reedbeds themselves begin to change, both in colour and sound, as the seedheads ripen and rustle with the increasing autumn breezes. As the trees change colour, the birch woodland of Holme Fen begins to look at its best. Weird and wonderful fungi emerge: around 500 species have been recorded on Holme Fen making it a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Autumn is also a good time to see colourful berries on the bushes in Woodwalton Fen and Ramsey Heights. Hawthorn and Blackthorn (Sloe) berries ripen, ready to feed the arriving flocks of Fieldfare and Redwing. There are also the berries of more unusual shrubs and trees, such as Purging Blackthorn and Spindle.

A mere in Holme Fen in autumn

Mere in Holme Fen in autumn. Guy Pilkington

Winter wildlife

Winter can be a very good time to see wildlife on the Great Fen. Winds can be harsh as they sweep unhindered across a vast bare landscape, but on clear days, with the sun low in the sky, colours seem brighter and clearer. The flocks of wintering wildfowl on the meres in Holme and Woodwalton Fens become larger and more vocal: listen for the whistle of Wigeon, sometimes drowned out by the yelping of Greylag Geese.

Increasing numbers of Whooper and Bewick Swans have been seen in recent winters, moving to the flat fields of Darlow's and Middle Farms after breeding in the high Arctic regions. There, too, you could see Harriers quartering across the fields: the resident Marsh Harriers are sometimes joined by Hen Harriers from the north. Male Hen Harriers are resplendent in their grey and white plumage, while females and youngsters are called "ringtails" because of the distinctive white patch above the tail on their otherwise brown plumage.

The days are short, so there is an urgent need for birds and animals to feed, sometimes making them bolder and easier to see. In November migrant flocks of Fieldfares and Redwings are often seen, particularly feeding on the Hawthorn Bushes of Ramsey Heights. Later in the winter, with the berry crops exhausted, these birds change their diet and search for invertebrates on the ground. With little foliage left on the trees it is often easier to see tiny birds such as Wrens, Treecreepers, Long-tailed Tits and Goldcrests. These are the birds that are most vulnerable to severe weather and for whom finding food becomes increasing difficult through the dark winter months.

Mammals too can often be seen more easily in winter. You will be very lucky to glimpse an Otter, but Chinese Water Deer and Muntjac are frequent. If there is a fall of snow, mammal tracks can give away the presence of Foxes, Rabbits, Badgers, and Deer as well as a range of small mammals such as Voles and Mice. These are the prey that Barn Owls and Kestrels will be searching for and these can often be seen from the north bank of Woodwalton Fen.

A visit to the Great Fen in winter is as close as many of us can come to experiencing Wilderness.