Laura Allen, Communities and Education Officer

One lunch time I escaped the office to enjoy a walk around the reserve and I decided to stop off at the pond. It is always nice to see what wildlife is around but on this occasion it was a very special day. I couldn't believe it - munching on reed whilst floating around on a piece of bark from the nearby walnut tree was a water vole!! I was amazed to watch as it swam amongst the reed stems, checking each of them to see if they were suitable and then with a single bite the chosen reed fell. I could feel the biggest smile on my face and I felt very lucky to work at such a wonderful site. 

Lorna Parker, Great Fen Project Manager

My favourite wildlife moment of the year was having an close up view of an Osprey that spent a few weeks at the Great Fen earlier in the year.  It had been seen regularly by people going to and from our site office, but not by me! Then finally on the way home from work, there it was sat on the power line.  I stopped the car for a good look and enjoyed it swooping low over the car and majestically across the fields.  It was a real treat because the only time I had seen one before was at Rutland, as a speck in the distance.  One of the things I love about working at Great Fen is that every year it changes and you just never know what you might see from one day to the next.

Rebekah O'Driscoll, Communities and Education Officer

My favourite moment this year was seeing the great crested newts en masse when Henry had been surveying. It was a tub full of efts and adult newts of all sizes and what made it special was getting to show them to the children who attend our Forest School and see their faces full of wonder and curiosity. 

The kingfishers of Woodwalton Fen are so popular, that two of our colleagues chose them as their favourite moment. And who can blame them?!

Paul Wyer, Wildlife Trust Promoter

By far my best wildlife experience at the Great Fen was at Woodwalton on one of my days off. I had some wonderful views of this female kingfisher flying around one of the ponds. She even perched up for me whilst she fished. Sadly, I didn't get any pics with a fish in her beak, but seeing these beauties up close is a real treat.

Lara Jones, Nene Valley SPA Engagement Officer

A really magical moment for me was a cheeky kingfisher playing hide-and-seek with a some children on a guided walk at Woodwalton. We spotted the elusive, yet distinctive blue bird as we approached the ditch; it promptly flew away but only a few metres down, along our route. The three children heading up our group were determined to spot it again, so quietly they crept along the ditch, and spotted the kingfisher at four more locations. I get very excited any time I see a kingfisher, but their joy was the magical moment- they knew that they had seen something special. 

Danielle Page, Communities and Education Officer

I didn't have to venture far for a wonderful wildlife encounter this year, as a common lizard chose our office step as the perfect place to sun themself. They were so accepting of our presence as we watched, but quickly skittered away as we walked around. It was lovely to see the bright green scales being revealed as the old skin shed away.  

Clare Cronk, Great Fen Volunteer

This year it has to be my encounter with a stoat whilst walking along the main path from the Rothschild bungalow to the main bridge at Woodwalton Fen. The stoat bounded along the path towards us seemingly without a care, so adorably cute, it was a gasp and hold your breath moment.

Jessie Boucher, Great Fen Volunteer 

My involvement with this year’s dawn chorus event at Woodwalton was a favourite of mine.  The morning dawned cool but bright.  There was a very nice group of people in attendance and all had some knowledge of the sort of birds we might hear and, hopefully see.  There were some very common visitors on the fen and some less common.  I saw my first blackcap at closer quarters and heard the beautiful sound of a grasshopper warbler to name but a few.  The morning was led by the ever knowledgeable Henry Stanier, and we were joined by a very enthusiastic young man who had us all captivated by his extensive knowledge of bird life.  We also saw a number of minibeasts on the morning.  It was a joy to be engaged with nature at a time of day when the world was still at peace.

Jasmin Atkinson, Great Fen Reserves Officer

I have so had many wonderful wildlife encounters on The Great Fen this year, but my most memorable has to be this Marbled Orb-weaver. This stunning 'pumpkin-like' spider is the first I have found on The Great Fen, which I was very excited about (and it was just before Halloween, perfect timing). She was such a gentle being and posed perfectly for this photo!

Clare Dean, Great Fen Volunteer

I helped the team at Woodwalton Fen on their bittern survey earlier this year. I sit on a raised chair with my back against the truck of an oak tree under it’s splendid canopy. It is a magical spot with only the sounds of nature as it well away from public access. I occasionally see a bittern fly by but there are plenty of other pieces to enjoy including marsh harriers and cuckoos. The four hours soon pass and I feel totally relaxed. Just a perfect place.

Marsh harriers across the Fen proved popular in 2024!

Claire Wilson, Great Fen Volunteer

I was walking the ‘Marsh Harrier Trail’ at Woodwalton Fen and stepped into the hide to find myself looking straight out at a pair of Marsh Harriers. The female was sat in the bush and the male circling overhead, and they were calling (well, "screeching") to one another! This was the closest I’ve been to a Marsh Harrier to date and the first time I’ve seen a pair together! 

Holly Wilkinson, Digital Content Officer

My favourite fen wildlife moments have been with a Marsh Harrier. Such a cool and beautiful bird. I’ve seen it every time I have been to the Speechly’s/Engine Farm area. The first time I have ever knowingly seen one was at the Great Fen. Really fascinated by the striking banding on it’s face. Almost feel like it’s a good luck charm as Nicky has said “you need to come out with me more often”.

Barbara shared this fantastic video of a very up-close encounter!

Barbara Cracknell, Conservation and Communities and Education Volunteer

In October, when crossing over Jackson Bridge back to my car from Woodwalton Fen, I spotted a heron sitting on the bonnet of my car.

As I walked along the track towards my car the heron just sat there, not phased by the fact I was slowly approaching it. I got really close before it decided to fly off, not going quietly but giving me a squawk as if to say 'how dare you I was quite comfy sitting here and you've disturbed me'!

Henry Stanier, Monitoring and Research Officer

My highlight of 2024 was unquestionably the discovery of a great silver water beetle. When we encountered this huge, completely black beetle, we popped it into a clear container to check its underside. It was fascinating to see the film of air cloaking its belly, providing the silver sheen that gives the great silver water beetle its name. This thrilling discovery was also the first for the Great Fen area since 1938 and demonstrates the value and potential of the restoration work we're undertaking to enhance the Fens for wildlife and people. 

You can learn even more about the water beetles of the Great Fen with Henry on his upcoming Wildlife Training Workshop. 

We love to hear your favourite wildlife sightings too, Let us know the date, location (use what3words), species and send photographs if possible to Henry Stanier, Monitoring and Research Officer.