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The Suffolk Valley Fens day trip was a superb day out. The trip leader, Su Gough, had an encyclopedic knowledge of the flora and fauna and she made sure we saw as much as possible in the day, including some very rare orchids. A great company and highly recommended. In my experience ALL their leaders are at the top of their game, being extremely knowledgeable and knowing the exact locations to find the flora/fauna. The backroom staff are also a pleasure to deal with and are always very helpful.
D.A. Norfolk, Jun 21
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Suffolk Valley Fens (Day Trip)
Tour Code: GBR92A gentle exploration of the fens and woodland from early to late summer, with both ends of the season having much to offer.
We hope to run this tour in the future, but have not yet finalised dates and prices. To be added to a waiting list and be informed when details are confirmed, please click on the register interest button, or phone 01962 733051.
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Summary
Along the Suffolk/Norfolk border is a superb but relatively little-known string of alkaline fens on the watershed between the Little Ouse and Waveney. Join Su Gough for a gentle exploration of the fens and woodland from early to late summer, both times having much to offer. During the course of the day we will explore Market Weston Fen, Thelnetham Fen and Redgrave and Lopham Fen, all managed by the Suffolk Wildlife Trust, driving the very short distances in between each site and taking our time to explore thoroughly. There will be plenty of opportunities for keen photographers, and we will cover around 3 miles of gentle walking on foot during the course of the day. We operate this Day Trip throughout the summer, so please click on our 'detailed information' below to discover the monthly highlights.
- Marsh Tits, Bullfinches, Linnets and Reed Buntings
- Odonata, such as Scarce Emerald Damselfly and Willow Emerald
- Orchids and Grass of Parnassus
- Fen Raft Spiders
June/July
The fens are fabulous at this time of year, with drifts of around 10 different species of orchid, featuring a number of marsh orchids including real rarities: the little-known Pugsley’s Marsh Orchid and a very good chance of finding one of Britain's rarest orchids – Dactylorhiza (incarnata) ochroleuca – intriguingly named by the locals as the Ice-cream Marsh Orchid! Other delights such as the sinister, insectivorous Butterworts and Bog Pimpernel – far prettier than its name suggests – will be flowering prolifically. Insects should abound, with many early season dragonflies and damselflies, which may include Scarce Emerald Damselfly, keeping us company as we amble around the fens, accompanied by the sights and sounds of summer warblers and other birds. Grasshopper Warbler, Garden Warbler, Cuckoo, Kingfisher and Hobby are all likely to be encountered.
August
By mid-August the vegetation is at full stretch and the huge numbers of Grass of Parnassus at Market Weston Fen are looking stunning. We should also find Marsh Lousewort, stately Saw Sedge, the sinister sounding Skullcap and Great Burnet at one of its only sites in the east. Insects are abundant; dragonflies might include Willow Emerald joining the more familiar darters, late season butterflies, bees and moths. Fen Raft Spiders are fun to look for and Marsh Tits, Green Woodpeckers, Bullfinches, Linnets and Reed Buntings abound, and there is a very good chance of hearing elusive Water Rails squealing in the reeds.
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