Woodwalton Fen - Chinese Water Deer/Birds Advice :)

[rjmartinuk]

Hey Everyone

I'm planning a day trip in the not too distant future to Woodwalton Fen in Cambridgeshire. I have wanted to go for sometime after reading about the Chinese Water Deer there - I have seen CWD in Bedfordshire in a field but would like to see them in a more natural habitat (around reed beds etc). I also wondered what kind of birds I could expect to see there at this time of year ....

Are the CWD there more secretive than the ones I saw near Woburn (they stood in the open for long periods of time and were very easy to see) or not? Also are there any hides/facilities?

Any advice on anything Woodwalton Fen related (either here or via PM) would be gladly appreciated. Many Thanks.

Cheers, Rob

[Wharfrat]

My BIL lives in Woodwalton, so I have been there a few times, although not for a couple of years.
Looking back at bird lists, it is much better in the summer (warblers - incl Nightingale, although not that common - /finches/general woodland sp.).
The most interesting birds I've had in the winter were Whooper Swan (and that was on a VERY cold blizzardy New Year's Day a few years back), and Bullfinch. But you might get Harriers and SE/LE Owls. From the edges of the fen you get wide ranging views across the area, which is probably the best for these.

I have seen CWD fully out in the open, mainly while driving or walking on the back-roads of the area, there are plenty in the area. Got some photos somewhere...

There are a couple of hides, a couple on the reed beds/water and I think one or two in the woods.

[rjmartinuk]

Thanks ever so much for the reply "Wharfrat" - sounds perfect from what you have told me. Fingers crossed then! Will reply when I have been and let you know how I got on.

Cheers, Rob