by Wendy Mansfield
On Tuesday 18th June a group of Wickhambrook WI members plus one or two husbands and friends made a third visit to Lackford Lakes. As on previous occasions the manager of the site, Will, took us round on a guided walk.
As this was our third visit, we were actually taken “off piste” to see some areas not normally open to the public. Will is always keen to point out the work involved in managing the site and its various habitats in order to make it accessible for all kinds of wildlife, from the larger mammals to the smallest insects and grubs. He is also extremely knowledgable about the flora and how this contributes to providing the best conditions for animal life.
We discovered caterpillars and damselflies together with an abundance of dragonflies darting over the ponds. There are a number of swans nesting at Lackford and we watched from one of the hides as a family of mum, dad and six quite large cygnets glided past in a straight line. Many birds are still sitting on nests and it was difficult to see them but we could hear them. Most of us can tell the difference between a blackbird and a robin’s song, but Will was able to point out various species such as willow warblers, Reed warblers, chiffchaff and bunting!
The highlight of our previous visit had been to be treated to a display by a kingfisher but no such luck this time around. We will be planning a return visit in the Winter when we may be able to see the starling murmuration!
