Mention wildlife spectacles and for many people it conjures an image of hordes of wildebeest and zebras on the African plains or perhaps clouds of monarch butterflies in Mexico. But there is a wildlife spectacle on our doorstep. Granted, the scale is smaller, but amazing nonetheless.
Bewick’s swans (left) are smaller than whopper swans (right), and have more black on their bills. During the winter a staggering number of birds migrate to Britain to escape the harsher winter in Russia, Iceland and northern and eastern Europe. Hundreds of thousands of wildfowl and wading birds stop off at the Ouse Washes as it provides an ideal sanctuary during the cold months. The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) nature reserve at Welney is a great place to witness this wildfowl spectacular.
There’s likely to be 5,000 or so Bewick’s swans along with about 2,500 whooper swans, which is Britain’s largest swan. There’ll be about 30,000 wigeons – one of the only UK ducks to survive by grazing mainly on grass – and many thousands of teals, pochards, shovelers and tufted ducks. In the shallows you’ll probably see snipe, redshanks and godwits probing the mud and soft grass for food. The reserve has several hides from where you can spot plenty of different species. The main observatory, which looks out over the central lagoon, is heated so you can birdwatch in complete comfort. A special treat is the floodlit swan feeding in the late afternoon/early evening. There’s also a live commentary to help those less experienced human visitors to identify the wide range of birds. It’s almost magical watching so many swans glide across the lagoon, silhouetted against the darkening fenland landscape.
Another reason for Welney’s popularity is its new, state-of-the-art, eco-friendly visitor centre. Opened in 2006, it has since won several awards. It is heated by a special system that pumps heat from the ground into the building’s under floor pipes. There is a natural ventilation system that ensures the building remains cool in summer. The toilets are flushed using rain water captured on the roof, a reedbed cleans any waste water and solar powered lamps light the car park.
Welney hosts a truly remarkable wildlife spectacle every winter, and is well worth a visit. It is also a wonderful place for an exhilarating walk. And although at first they appear bleak, the fens possess a stark, slightly eerie, winter beauty. However the exposed washlands can be bitingly cold in January, so make sure you wrap up warm.
How to get there
Welney Wetland Centre is 12 miles north of Ely and 2 miles east of Welney village. By car, turn off the A1101 at the New Bedford Suspension Bridge, signposted Ten Mile Bank. Unfortunately it is not easy to reach Welney using public transport. The nearest train station is Littleport, 5 miles away. Please note that there is an admission charge to the reserve, unless you are a WWT member.
The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust
Founded in 1946 by naturalist and artist, the late Sir Peter Scott, the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) is a leading UK conservation organisation that saves wetlands for wildlife and people. It has a national network of nine specialist wetland visitor centres, including Welney, Slimbridge and Martin Mere – host to the BBC’s recent Autumnwatch series. For more information about the charity, its work or how to become a member, visit www.wwt.org.uk or call 01453 891198.
Big Garden Birdwatch
Don’t forget the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch at the end of the month (26th-27th January). All you need to do is watch your garden for an hour and make a note of the birds you see. Then tell the RSPB the highest number of each species you see at any one time in the hour. Your result will give a vital snapshot of the birds in winter and help scientists discover important changes in garden bird populations across the country. It’s easy to take part in the Big Garden Birdwatch and great fun too. To find out more visit www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch or call 01767 680551.
