Ely Local Group

Those of us who enjoy ‘proper’ winters can have few complaints about that which we've just had, with plenty of cold weather and some snow. Spring has taken a while to get going so garden plants and native wildlife alike are playing catch-up. Now nature is very much getting into the spring/summer groove and there are numerous reasons to head outdoors again. However, before we look forward to the treats we have in store over the next six months we can firstly reflect on another successful series of winter talks.

Our indoor programme began with the visit of Dick Newell, speaking on behalf of Action For Swifts. We then headed north, at least thematically, in November, when our guest was Duncan MacDonald of Speyside Wildlife. Duncan introduced us to some of the iconic wildlife and landscapes to be found in the Scottish Highlands. Late December saw us hold our traditional post-Christmas walk. Although some ice underfoot, the general theme was wet and grey rather than 'Winter Wonderland'. However, that didn't stop a hardy band heading out along the river and round Roswell Pits. January saw the welcome return of Wildlife Trust BCN Chief Executive Brian Eversham who talked on the invertebrates found in gravel pits. In February Josh Hellon, also from the Wildlife Trust, demonstrated the various uses to which he is able to put drones to help map and manage our local reserves. Our guest in March was Josh Wells. He was able to provide a thorough introduction to the fascinating world of Britain’s bees. Finally, April saw us hold our AGM at which the current committee were voted in to their existing positions. Following the formal business, Clive gave an overview of the work being carried out at Welney WWT to increase the breeding population of Black-Tailed Godwits. Suitably fortified with delicious homemade cakes the meeting then tackled another of Will's Wildlife quizzes.

As mentioned in the previous newsletter, the last indoor programme marked the tenth anniversary of the foundation of the Ely Local Group. We decided to mark this formally in January, when Brian Eversham was our guest. A beautiful (and tasty!) wildlife-themed cake helped us to celebrate the occasion properly. The committee would like to repeat their thanks to everyone who has supported us over the last decade and hope that you will be able to join us for walks, talks and work parties in the years ahead.

With the inexorable advance of spring it's now time to turn our thoughts to outdoor activities. Our summer programme began in May with an evening walk along the river and round Roswell Pits and in June we made the short trip over to Wicken Fen for an evening stroll round Baker's Fen. July sees another of our all-day trips. This year we will be heading over to Barnack Hills and Holes where the limestone grassland is a botanist's paradise. The site is home to a number of species of orchid, parasitic Dodder and Squinancywort. Although our chief focus will be flowers, the site is also good for insects, including Marbled White butterflies. As usual, we will be taking a break in August. In September we will once again hold a 'Creatures of the Night' event at Roswell Pits. Weather permitting, we hope to hold bat walks and moth trapping as we aim to discover the nocturnal denizens of the Pits area.