🔊NEW podcast episode! Kids + nature = something powerful 🌿 This episode dives into why growing up connected to the outdoors shapes confidence, curiosity, and wellbeing for life. 🎧 Give it a listen here www.wildlifebcn.org/blog/sophie-... or wherever you get your podcasts.

📸 Header Photo of the Month! We’re inviting you to share your best photos taken on our reserves 🌿 Your image could be featured as our next header! Deadline: 20 April Send entries to: [email protected] We can’t wait to see what you’ve captured 🦋

After 60+ years we say a heartfelt goodbye to Grafham Water 💚 Since 1965, it’s grown from farmland into a thriving reserve with 170+ bird species, orchids, and incredible wildlife. Thanks to all staff, volunteers & partners who made it possible. Read more: www.wildlifebcn.org/news/wildlif...

🌼 The Wildlife Gardening Award Scheme is BACK! 🌼 Whether you’ve got a balcony, garden, allotment or community space, you can make a real difference by habitats for wildlife 🐝 ✨ Take part, get recognised, & inspire others 📸 Submit & show how you’re helping wildlife 👉 Find out more shorturl.at/ErK8x

Looking to break into conservation? 🌿 This traineeship is a paid 6-month opportunity for 18–25 year olds to gain hands-on experience @greatfen.org.uk . Learn, build skills & help tackle climate change + biodiversity loss 🌍 Apply 👉 www.wildlifebcn.org/jobs/peatlan... #conservationtraineeship

Don't miss our #volunteer open day on Friday 10th April! Meet the team, see how you can get involved with our events and education activities, try some of our practical skill work and enjoy a guided walk. #volunteeringopportunity #cambridgeshire #huntingdon #forestschool #guidedwalk #schoolvisit

Looking for something to do this April? 🌿 Join Wildlife Trust BCN for wildlife walks, family activities, and nature experiences across the region. Get outside, explore, and reconnect with nature 🐦 🔗 wildlifebcn.org/events

The #MayorsDayOut school visits have begun! We went pond dipping, on a nature walk, planted seeds and built dens, listened to birds, followed bumblebees, counted ladybirds, tracked deer and found badger poo! Thanks to CPCA for the new fund supporting local schools to get closer to nature.

A Glossy Ibis living up to the species’ name at @wildlifebcn.org Summer Leys on Saturday, as the afternoon sunshine lights up the bird’s green and purple-brown plumage. Having extracted a small worm or grub from the ground, the Ibis is dunking it in water before eating it. #Birds #UKWildlife #ECK 🌿

If you missed it live, you can catch up with Escape to the Country on iPlayer www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/epis...

🌊🔍 Discover the hidden world beneath the water! Join us 18 April at Pitsford Water for a hands-on workshop with Kevin Rowley, learn to identify fascinating water bugs & explore in the field 🐞💧 Perfect for beginners & nature lovers. Book now 👇 shorturl.at/ZI0UJ #Wildlife #Nature #PondLife

Summer Leys @wildlifebcn.org reserve thread, post #3. I may have* mentioned before that the Little Grebe is one of my favourite #birds. That status was confirmed on Saturday when I watched this beauty, who was in full breeding plumage. #BirdPhotography #UKWildlife 🌿 *I absolutely have 😄

Another fantastic shot here by @atcherleyons.bsky.social of a grass snake at Summer Leys! They seem to be showing well there at the moment!

A gorgeous Grass Snake to continue this Summer Leys #NaturePhotography thread. This was one of at least four individuals who were warming up in the Spring sunshine on Saturday around this particular spot, not far from the car park. #UKWildlife #reptiles #snakes #herps #ECK 🌿

What a transformation! Churchyard of St Peter's Carlton used to be close-shaven, now much improved management & a @wildlifebcn.org 🥉award! Leaves of Goldilocks Buttercups already showing in locations for R. argillicola (L) and R. crassilobus (R)! 🤞 @brianecambs.bsky.social @bsbibotany.bsky.social

Good Morning. Today's #BirdOfTheDay theme is #LookingAtMe, birds looking at you, the Alt Theme is #Pigeons, any Pigeon will do. Here's a Wren, Robin, Red Kite & Redshank #LookingAtMe at Summer Leys NR. #birds #ECK #CanonR5mkii #naturephotography #ukbirding @rspb.bsky.social @wildlifebcn.org

Next up is a profile set of #Waders from Summer Leys Nature Reserve, here we have a Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Redshank & Great Egret. #birds #photography #ECK #birdphotography #CanonR5mkii #naturephotography @wildlifebcn.org #ukbirding #CanonPhotography #BirdLife #PhotographyIsArt #HeadShots

Time for my final set of #HeadShots for tonight, so here's a Northern Shoveler, Wigeon & Mr & Mrs Tufted Duck who also fit #BirdOfTheDay theme #LookingAtMe. All captured at Summer Leys NR. #birds #photography #ECK @rspb.bsky.social #ukbirding #CanonR5mkii #wildlife #BirdLife @wildlifebcn.org

So many images taken today from a cold, misty start at RSPB Fowlmere. Once again Water Voles were stars of show. @wildlifebcn.org @rspb.bsky.social @rspbengland.bsky.social

Signs of spring at Old Sulehay NR. Wood Anemone flowers were reputed to have sprouted from Aphrodite’s tears as she mourned Adonis while Hairy Violet was associated with love potions and the power to induce sleep... #wildflowerhour #storyplants @bsbibotany.bsky.social @wildlifebcn.org

Nearly 20 years on, Jules is back to visit us again with the BBC's Escape to the Country! Looking as distinguished as always, even in the high-vis! Tune in today at 3pm, or catch up on demand for the next month. www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m... @wildlifebcn.org

Botanical distractions while recording birds at Thorpe Wood NR this week - a smatter of Bluebells, the first Ramsons of the year, buttery bowls of Primrose and plenty of Early Dog-violets... #wildflowerhour @bsbibotany.bsky.social @wildlifebcn.org

This #Oystercatcher, though not an early bird, still managed to get the worm. A great image with which to start a #NaturePhotography thread featuring pics from my visit to @wildlifebcn.org Summer Leys reserve on Saturday. #UKWildlife #Birds #BirdPhotography #ECK 🌿

A few photos from @wildlifebcn.org Warseley Woods a couple of days ago. Lots of birdsong and #wildflowers. 1. Bluebell 2. Oxlips 3. Primrose 4. Wood anenomes

Torrin and Dominic from Impington Village College joined us on work experience. They teamed up with our Peatland Progress trainees to assist Monitoring and Research Officer, Henry Stanier. Pollarding for ponds, moth and newt surveys all in one day. Thank you for your hard work! @wildlifebcn.org

Ventured up to RSPB Fowlmere to capture these furry little posers. #UKWildlife #UKMammals @wildlifebcn.org @mammalsociety.bsky.social

Water vole, including a through the keyhole habitat image. 4 seen this evening. @wildlifebcn.org

I've posted my latest blog. A visit with Kev Heath to @rspb.bsky.social Ouse Fen, @wwtworldwide.bsky.social WWT Welney Washes and @wildlifebcn.org Summer Leys. Thanks for looking! @birdguides.bsky.social @btobirds.bsky.social #UKbirding jkhsmith.blogspot.com/2026/03/camb....

I nearly forgot that its also #WaderWednesday, so heres a set from a recent visit to Summer Leys which are a Little Egret, Grey Heron, Great Egret ducking from an irate Black-headed Gull & Redshank. @wildlifebcn.org #birds #photography #ECK #ukbirding #CanonR5mkii #BirdLife #Waders #birdphotography

#WaterWednesday is a newly found theme to me, so here's a Great Crested Grebe, Coot, Mute Swan and group of Wigeon all serenely floating along the water at Summer Leys NR. @wildlifebcn.org #birds #CanonPhotography #ECK #CanonR5mkii #ukbirding #birdphotography #BirdLife #birdphotography #wildlife

😎How fabulous is this shot by Michael at Summer Leys today! 🐍The grass snake is our longest snake, but don't worry if you find one in the compost heap - it's harmless! Look out for this green and yellow beauty in grasslands and wetlands, too. 📸 Michael J Howard

📸 You've still got chance to submit something for our next header photo! Have you taken a beautiful shot on one of our reserves? Your photo could become our Facebook and Bluesky header for the month of April. 🗓 Deadline: 20th March 📧 Send your photo to [email protected]

🥳 Our new magazine is out! Members may already have their copy, pop the kettle on, get cosy & get inspired ☕ 👉 We’ve had a redesign, with more stories from people protecting nature in our region. Tell us what you think! Join today & get your copy: wildlifebcn.org/join

Good morning. It's time to drive down to Northampton for a weekend at Summer Leys Nature Reserve, so I will pick up @alan678.bsky.social BOTD themes when I arrive down there. Have a great day folks whatever you're doing today. #birds #photography #ECK #CanonR5mkii #ukbirding @wildlifebcn.org

Looking forward to this music event tonight in Brampton, organised by the Hunts Local Group, raising money for @wildlifebcn.org and the church. The first one, in autumn, was a lovely event with gorgeous music. Tickets still available:

On the way back from Cambridgeshire yesterday, Kev Heath and I stopped at @wildlifebcn.org Summer Leys. After a bit of patience we eventually had great views of the glossy ibis - pleased to come away with some photos despite the tricky light direction @birdguides.bsky.social @btobirds.bsky.social.

Our awesome Beds volunteers were out at Old Warden Tunnel working hard this week and were welcomed by this local resident. Toads are often on the move at this time of year travelling from their hibernation sites to ponds ready to attract a mate. Thanks to Sian for the photo!

🐑And we're off! The first spring lambs of the year were born at our Lilbourne Meadows nature reserve in Northants this week. There will be lots more lambs and calves to come this month as our grazing team head into the busiest time of the year.

Easter holiday family fun in the Fen! Come and build a #birdbox, follow the nature trail, hunt for bugs, climb a tree, build a den and more! If the morning sells out, we'll add an afternoon session. @wildlifebcn.org #daysoutwithkids #activitiesforkids #easterholiday #schoolholiday #nestbox

Our first #chiffchaff heard was singing yesterday! A few days later than last year, but always a welcome sound. A simple first birdsong to learn too. @wildlifebcn.org #signsofspring #birdsong #wildlifewednesday

🎙️ Our latest podcast is out today for International Women’s Day. Dr Hilary Allison shares stories of the remarkable and often overlooked women who shaped the conservation movement, plus the barriers women in conservation still face today. 🎧 Listen now. www.wildlifebcn.org/get-involved...

We couldn’t resist hopping on this trend! 👶 Who knew these tiny humans would grow up to secure grants, look after nature reserves, connect landscapes, rewet peatland to name a few and occasionally hop on trends like this just for fun? 💚

After a series of dog incidents we’ve temporarily closed Hayley Wood (Cambs). Despite clear signs, dogs off leads have disturbed birds, damaged rare wildflower habitat, staff were verbally abused when asking for leads. Read more: shorturl.at/RbGI0

What kind of marshy carpet does a marsh carpet #moth prefer? One of common meadow rue! To support the return of this fabulous insect to the Great Fen, volunteers have been planting a new meadow habitat. Read all about it from Catherine Weightman! www.greatfen.org.uk/blog/guest-p... @wildlifebcn.org

Our March header photo winner is Jen Cole with this fantastic shot of a cormorant at Pitsford Water.

🌿 We’re recruiting 2x Voluntary Reserve Officers at the Nene Wetlands 🦆 Gain hands-on habitat management experience, accredited training & volunteer leadership skills. Apply by 23 March 👇 www.wildlifebcn.org/volunteering... 🌱

🌿 March into nature with us! 🌼 From guided tours at Nene Wetlands to hidden green spaces in Luton, plus family activities, craft clubs & expert-led stargazing. 🐦✨ Celebrate spring & connect with nature 🌸 👉 www.wildlifebcn.org/events #WildlifeTrustBCN #GetOutside #FamilyFun #Conservation

March events in the Great Fen! Cosmology talk, spring wildlife walk and conservation training for young people. Little Bugs is back on Wednesday too! www.wildlifebcn.org/events?locat... @wildlifebcn.org #NLOpenWeek #ThanksToYou #stargazing #guidedwalk #conservationtraining

Ok, so you’ve heard of pond dipping, but have you tried PUDDLE dipping? Who knew there’d be so much life in a stagnant muddy puddle?! Like our little springtail friend…hop to it! @wildlifebcn.org #coleoptera #helophoridae #waterbeetle

It's time for some #BirdsInFlight shot for #FlyDay, it's been a mixed weather day today but still good to be out in Nature. Here's a pair of Mute Swans, a flock of Lapwings, Glossy Ibis & Red Kite at Summer Leys NR #birds #photography #EastCoastKin #CanonPhotography @wildlifebcn.org #CanonR5mkii