News from Anglesey Abbey and Wicken Fen
The recent period of dry sunny weather has allowed work on the Burwell Fen
habitat restoration project to re-commence. Ironically the project to construct
a low level earth bund to assist the re-creation of floodplain grazing marsh, a
priority UK Biodiversity Action Plan habitat, was delayed due to excessive
rainfall over the winter period. The habitat restoration work is part of a
European Union funded INTERREG project to help climate proof areas of Northern
Europe against the adverse effects of global warming.
If you fancy a good workout and a walk in the countryside then why not have a go at Nordic walking. The technique uses lightweight poles to enhance normal walking meaning you can walk longer and further, whilst burning around 46% more calories than normal walking. Swaffham Prior based instructor, Oliver Gynn will be leading one hour walks at Wicken Fen on alternate Thursdays from 28 April. The walks cost £5 which includes equipment hire and instruction. To book a walk please contact Oliver on 07767 324365 or e-mail info@nordicwalking.co.uk
We have a great programme of events at Anglesey Abbey this spring. Why not step back in time to the 1920's for a Murder Mystery Evening on Friday 6 May. Tickets cost £50 adults £30 children which includes a three -course meal with introductory cocktail. If you need help designing or choosing plants for your garden why not join Assistant Head Gardener, David Jordon, for an Herbaceous Border Garden Study Day on Monday 16 May 1000 -1300, tickets £15, include refreshments and 10% discount on plant sales that day. Cambridge based, Purl Alpaca are holding a Hand Knitting Workshop on Saturday 21 May, 10.00 -16.00. Beginners or experienced knitters can make their own unique garment under the expert guidance of award winning designer Kari Helene. Tickets cost £95 (£90 for bookings of 3+ people) which includes a knitting kit and refreshments.
Over at Wicken Fen our summer migrants have returned and wildflowers are showing all over the fen. For early risers we have a Dawn Chorus Walk on Sunday 1 May at 4.45am Tickets £10 includes bacon roll and tea/ coffee. If you're not good at getting out of bed in the morning then there's always a Dusk Chorus Walk on Friday 27 May at 19.30, tickets £6.50 or £3.25 for children. Local Weaver, Nadine Anderson will be leading a Frame Basket Making Workshop on Saturday 14 May 9.45- 17.30, tickets £60, includes all materials. At the time of writing two Konik pony foals have recently been born -a good chance to see them would be on our Konik Pony Walk with grazing warden, Carol Laidlaw on Saturday 21 May at 10.30 -tickets £6.50 / £3.25.
Tickets for Anglesey Abbey events are available on 01223 810080 or 01353 720274 for Wicken Fen events.