Page 9 - Jigsaw August 2019

Wildlife in the Nene Valley...............................................
It’s summer, so let’s get out in the Nene Valley and explore...
The stunning Nene Valley is arguably one
of the East Midlands most overlooked treasures. Those that are fortunate enough to be familiar with the River Nene will be well aware of its beauty, however, what is sometimes less obvious is the region’s huge importance for wildlife.
Every winter, thousands of migratory birds, including ducks, geese and waders, visit the flooded gravel pits from far away, enjoying the abundance of food and the relatively mild UK weather.
In summer, the wildfowl are replaced with warblers and long distance migrants such as swallows, cuckoo and common terns,
all of which visit the Nene Valley in order to breed. In total, over 20,000 migratory birds come to the valley each year and many of these species, such as the reed warbler and bittern, are specialists, relying on some of the UK’s most threatened habitats, including reed beds and floodplain meadows for survival.
In addition to the migratory species, the Nene Valley is also home to many of the UK’s most iconic animals, including otters, harvest mice, mute swans, grey heron
and great crested grebe. In summer, the meadows are full of wildflowers, including great burnet, vetch and buttercups which provide vital nectar for insects such as bees and butterflies and hunting grounds for dragonflies and damselflies.
Encouraging people to engage with wildlife and help to protect it is another core
aim of the Wildlife Trust BCN and there are several different projects taking place along the valley that are helping us to do this.
Rushden Lakes is also home to our very first visitor centre and shop, as well as a designated education and discovery area. We regularly run activities for all ages, including toddler groups, guided walks, family nature sessions and craft workshops that help local people to understand their local wildlife and hopefully inspire the next generation to care for nature.
How can you get involved?
If you’re interested in attending some of our events in the Nene Wetlands, please visit our website wildlifebcn.org/nenewetlands or like us on Facebook: NeneWetlandsVisitorCentre for more information.
You can also help the Wildlife Trust by volunteering either with practical work parties, daily checks, monitoring, events, or in the visitor centre (please email us at nenewetlands@wildlifebcn.org if you’re interested in volunteering).
If you’re a local landowner or farmer and are interested in getting involved with our Farming for the Future project, please contact Helena.Darragh@wildlifebcn.org.
If you are interested in helping us to carry out mammal surveys (you don’t have to
be an expert) please contact the Water for Wildlife Officer in Northamptonshire, at lewis. dickinson@wildlifebcn.org for further details. Photograph by Katie King
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