The Ouse Washes 

 JONATHAN TAYLOR

Jonathan will give us an illustrated talk taking us through the history of the Ouse Washes from its creation – a major part of the draining of the Great Level of the Fens - through to its conservation status as one of the most important wetlands for wildlife in the UK. He will talk about its importance on a local and European scale, the battle for its SSSI status to be maintained and the opportunities that could save or sink the site going forward. 

 

Jonathan is a proud Cambridgeshire native and from an early age a passion for the environment was forged when his family was living on the doorstep of Woodwalton Fen. He later moved to the Norfolk coast where his passion for birding was catered for and he got his first entry into reserve wardening at both Holkham and Swanton Novers NNR’s. In 1994 a return to the Peterborough area to revive an earlier career in plumbing didn’t prove satisfactory as he still hankered after a career in conservation. So an opportunity to work for the RSPB at the nearby Nene Washes could not be resisted. Twenty years later he was convinced to take on the Ouse Washes Senior Site Manager role and the rest is history. Away from work, during his birding, he has found many County rarities and he enjoys enthusing others through his finds. He is the author of “Birds of the Nene Washes” which was published in 2016.

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Indoor Events are free to members and we warmly welcome nature loving non-members for a small donation of £2.50 cash on the door.
 

Hopefully to find rarer grebe species and possibly divers and greater scaup together with a wide range of other species.

Anybody with an interest in nature, from beginner to expert, are welcome to join us on our Outdoor Events that are free. It is a good way to get to know existing members and possibly improve your expertise.

Meet: In Sykes’s car park at the Dam Empingham

Note: There is a parking charge. We will then be moving to various locations.

Map ref: SK936083 

Leader:  Bob Titman 07922164676
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