Redgrave and Lopham Fen .................................................. Gi Grieco

Redgrave and Lopham Fen

Sunday, 8th July 2018 Leader: Gi Grieco

It had been many years since my last visit and thought it would make a good choice for a SOG trip during the summer; to visit somewhere away from the usual places. In addition, due to the time of the year, many July trips look at more than birds so this excellent SWT reserve made a perfect choice. Ten members, including two new ones on their first trip and two who lived locally and who were very helpful with details about the site, assembled in the car park at 9.00am and even by then the temperature was high, the county being in the midst of a heatwave. We were delighted to see two Spotted Flycatchers in the adjacent trees, for some the first of the year for this declining species. As we headed out on to trails around the fenland we encountered many butterflies including Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Small White, Large White, Small Tortoiseshell and a Brimstone. This was the case across the site and Odonata were well represented too with species such as Southern Hawker, Common Darter and Azure Damselfly. To add to the mix we also saw Six-spot Burnet Moth and a black and yellow Spotted Longhorn beetle. Across the reedbed we noted Marsh Harrier and Reed Bunting and later on Grey Heron and Blackcap. We headed down the Spider Trail hoping to see a speciality of the site, Fen Raft Spider. We had no luck initially, but Matt did find Great Diving Beetle larvae in one of the pools - then a shout from Brian went up saying he’d found an interesting dragonfly – likely Keeled Skimmer. As we

Photo: Gi Grieco Keeled Skimmer

assembled we agreed that this was the case and fortunately I’d brought two books along, one on plants and the other on dragonflies and damselflies. From the photos we took we confirmed the identification, a species we had not expected to encounter. While we were all scanning the pool Marion said she’d found a Fen Raft Spider down by some pondweed, right under our noses although it was well camouflaged! We proceeded around the site, the temperature and humidity rising all the time. Of a few interesting plants seen, Cotton Grass and Lousewort were notable. We came to a pool where a lucky few either saw or heard a Kingfisher briefly and there were three Little Egrets present. We passed very quickly through the woods, any lingering and we were soon covered in mosquitoes! We came to an area known for Scarce Emerald Damselfly and after some patience finally managed to find one individual. Back at the centre we stopped for much needed refreshments and whilst there had good views of Purple Hairstreak in the oaks. As insects played such a part in the day we decided to continue the theme and finish the day at Pakefield Woods. We were delighted to see at least three Silver-washed Fritillaries along with further close views of Purple Hairstreak. All in all an enjoyable day and well worth the decision to add it to the events calendar.