Wheatfen is one of those old fashioned little reserves and all the better for it. I'd never been before so with the lure of some nice insects we decided to pay the place a visit on Saturday.
On the way I was keen to catch up with a rare plant I'd never seen before - White Ramping Fumitory. I'd kindy been given some directions by Andy Musgrove but as it transpired these were a bit 'out'. I extended my search further along the lane in Kirby Bedon and hey presto, found them right where we'd parked!
On to Wheatfen and completely unbeknown to us they had an open weekend. Luckily we hit the timing right between 2 guided walks so there wasn't many people about. And the bonus was lovely tea and cakes for sale which were very welcome after a hot walk around the reserve! On that walk I found numerous Norfolk Hawkers and Scarce Chasers, 2 Hairy Dragonflies, Black-tailed Skimmers, Four-spotted Chasers, Variable Damselflies, Azure Damselflies, Blue-tailed Damselflies and Large Red Damselflies. Start of the show however was a showy Swallowtail nectaring on a bunch of Sweet Williams that had been placed for them by reserve staff. Birds included Cetti's Warblers, Willow Warbler, Garden Warbler and Cuckoo. Plants around the reserve were also interesting with Southern Marsh Orchid and hybrid Southern Marsh x Common Spotted, Blue Water Speedwell and Celery-leaved Buttercup but the best finds were Small Balsam and Yellow Pimpernel not far out of the carpark.
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