Our walk at Strumpshaw Fen on 14-5-16 was very successful in spite of the weather forecast. Bob and Ann Carpenter were met by 20 hopeful enthusiasts with the swallowtail at the top of their list. We squelched hopefully round the meadow to no avail, but did find our first meadowbrown of the year and a superb bee orchid. We then plodded down the lane past the doctor's house and back on to the other side of the reserve. 

Found some milk parsley, marsh pea and a common lizard sunning himself. Somewhat disappointed trailed back to the centre, the sun was shining,no wind, very pleasant, but where were the swallowtails. On the flowers in the bed by the centre of course, also a super Norfolk Hawker. Cameras clicked,happiness restored, sighs of relief from me. I had to explain that the long walk was to build up the anticipation and delight. I am not sure anyone was convinced but all turned out well.

Ann Carpenter

Bee OrchidNorfolk Hawker Strumpshaw Fen 14May16Brimstone Stumpshaw Fen 14May16MeadowBrown Strumpshaw 14May16

Common Lizard Stumpshaw Fen 14May16

swallowtail_strumpshaw_14may16