Lewis and Tansy from Supported Steps in Ramsey have welcomed spring to Ramsey Heights nature reserve. The birds started singing louder, blossoms began bursting out and the buzz of bees returned overhead for the Tuesday work parties. Our elevenses have returned outside in the warm sunshine with hot chocolate swapped for cooler alternatives... but the same favourite bourbon biscuits!

In March, an old seating area was uncovered and given a new lease of life. Whilst Lewis cut back overhanging branches and encroaching hawthorn, Tansy was supported by Claire and Kaitlyn (as part of their 6-week Internships - catch up with their blogs here) to level the ground which had become very uneven in places. Tree whips were planted including rowan, dogwood and hawthorn, to encircle the seating area. Within a few weeks, the whips had taken, which was great to see. Together the team used the cut hawthorn to line the edges and seating area, with woodchip spread on the path. Tansy and Lewis hope their work will provide visitors with a new place to sit and enjoy the sounds of the reserve. In the future, the newly planted trees will provide welcome shade (or shelter!) for visitors and an important autumn source of berries for the many bird species which call the reserve home.

Before we knew it, April appeared, and Tansy and Lewis were delighted to be joined by Reserves Officers Dave and Jasmin who they had previously worked with for the garden extension work. Following pond work in the autumn, Ramsey Heights has seen a temporary closure of the path between the bodgery and the bird hide. Thanks to the dry spring so far, the ground here has dried enough to allow the team to make a start on the re-routed section.

Lewis and Tansy started by marking out the new path, ensuring it was accessible for all visitors including those using the Trust’s all-terrain tramper mobility vehicle. The next task was to install the gravel boards. This provided them both with an opportunity to develop their confidence using power tools and hammering with wooden mallets. It didn’t take long before a very efficient and professional system was in place with a very productive first session.

During the Easter Holidays, the Youth Rangers arrived ready to continue this task. The group divided up with half the team joining Sam, Great Fen Reserves Officer, to continue installing the gravel boards. Ahead of them, the rest of the group helped Jasmin to level the path before spreading woodchip into the already completed section by Tansy and Lewis. 11 o’clock soon arrived with a welcome refreshment break in the sunshine before swapping tasks and continuing the fantastic work. The Youth Rangers were delighted to spot two mallards with their five chicks and hear a Cetti's warbler calling nearby.

After a great morning with lots of smiles, the group downed tools and enjoyed a walk around the reserve following the Easter bird egg trail. It was great to see new friendships forming with individuals showing greater confidence within the group. As speckled wood butterflies fluttered by, a cuckoo called in the distance and a red kite flew overhead, it was time to head home... until next time!

Now, summer has arrived!

Following the lack of rain and recent heatwaves, the ground has become too hard to continue with the path work. It is looking fantastic but for now, Tansy and Lewis have swapped tools for clipboards, ID charts and quadrats.

Arriving at the Northern Loop to meet Great Fen Monitoring and Research Officer, Henry Stanier, Lewis and Tansy were excited to get started. Today’s task – conduct a grassland assessment. With skylarks singing above, a marsh harrier hunting in the distance and peacock butterflies flitting past, they were off! Using a GPS tracker to find the right spot, quadrats were placed, and the team recorded the different wildflowers and grasses present. It was wonderful to see the diversity of species including a sea of oxeye daisies, yellow rattle, Lady’s bedstraw and smooth tare.

Tansy and Lewis were able to learn the names of different grasses and some of their features to help with identification. Barren brome, cock’s-foot, quaking-grass, crested dog’s-tail, rye-grass, false oat-grass and more. Once you start paying attention to grass, you realise how beautiful and different they can be! A great morning of surveying in the sunshine had by all.

Why not visit one of our Great Fen sites this summer? Browse the walking trails or see our upcoming events. And if you'd like to get involved with wildlife surveys or practical work, please get in touch about volunteering too.