Ouse Washes (joint RSPB/Wildlife Trust reserve)
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A huge area of old washlands now home to hundreds of thousands of wintering ducks and breeding waders, and refuge for many other characteristic Fen species |
The parallel rivers, ditches and banks of the Ouse Washes form a distinctive feature in this otherwise flat landscape. The washlands were created 360 years ago to retain winter flood water from the Ouse and prevent it from flooding the valuable surrounding farmland, and it still performs this function today. Over the years the Washes have also provided high quality summer grazing for cattle and sheep and have developed into an internationally important wildlife site.
In the winter when the water levels are high, the banks are covered with flocks of wigeon grazing the turf, while dabbling ducks patrol the waters searching for floating seed and buried roots. Large flocks of geese, including bean and white-fronted, and whooper and Bewick’s swans, use the reserve as their base for foraging among the farmers fields. As dusk falls listen for the breathy whistle of their wing beats as they come into roost. The spectacle brings visitors from far and wide, and the lure of possible rarities, such as the spectacular White-tailed Eagle, keeps them coming back.
Do not neglect a visit in spring and summer. Although birds are harder to spot, the rewards are just as great. Garganey, avocet, black-tailed godwits, redshank and yellow wagtail all breed on site, and to catch a glimpse of lekking ruff is a rare treat. There are new species discovering the site each year, with little egrets a recent colonist.
Whatever the time of year or weather, you can visit the information centre, where the bird feeding station means you are assured a view of birds, including tree sparrows and other farmland species, even if you don’t visit one of the many hides along the banks.
Although from the hide you may only see a glittering network of ditches, down among the pondweeds and rushes there are water voles, otters, dragonflies, damselflies as well as a whole host of nationally rare and wonderful plants, fish, insects and molluscs.
Birds: Bewick’s swan, whooper swan, wigeon, gadwall, pintail, teal, pochard, tufted duck, golden plover, linnet, gulls |
Birds: Garganey, avocet, lapwing, black tern, grasshopper warbler |
Birds: Little egret, kingfisher, skylark |
Birds: Greenshank, dunlin, wood sandpiper, tree sparrow |