Mid-May saw 35 bleary-eyed members of Nottinghamshire Environmental Association boarding a coach in Retford at 8.00am for the first outside visit of 2024. Arriving approximately 90 minutes later, they disembarked at RSPB Frampton Marsh near Boston in Lincolnshire.
The first stop for most was the very pleasant café at the Visitor Centre. Unfortunately, during the journey from Retford the rain had arrived and it was now falling steadily. However, those present had been fore-warned and had the clothing necessary to face the steady rain if and when they chose. Most did choose and were rewarded with some good ‘ticks’.
Frampton Marsh has a mix of saltwater and freshwater lagoons, which results in a wide range of water birds. The usual population of coots, moorhens and various ducks and geese were supplemented by other, less common, birds such as whooper swans, and ruff. There were several swifts darting across the water surface in their endless quest for insects.
Only a few members saw the magnificent marsh harrier which was searching for prey in the extensive reed beds of the Reserve. Two members saw great grebes carrying out their ritual mating dance – it being that time of year! Even those who stayed in the dry and warmth of the Visitor Centre were treated to a spoonbill, which strutted about near the Visitor Centre swinging that obvious flat bill, sieving food out of the water of the lagoon.
Following lunch at the café, the members left Frampton for Wisbech and Georgian Peckover House, a National Trust property. In 1777 Jonathan Peckover set up a general merchants shop in Wisbech. He quickly developed a reputation as being a trustworthy and honest trader. A number of his customers entrusted their money to him, and this led to the establishment of a small bank in what is now called Peckover House.
By 1782, with just seven customers he established the Wisbech and Lincolnshire Bank. Just over 100 years later the bank amalgamated with 19 other small banks and the modern banking giant of Barclays was born!
The house contained expert guides and details of this development. The compact gardens are well tended by an expert group of gardeners. Unfortunately, the continuing rain prevented full enjoyment of this beautiful asset of the house. The rain stopped about 5.30pm, just about 10 minutes before the coach arrived back in Retford! Despite the weather, there was great satisfaction for the sights seen at both Frampton and Peckover.
Tuesday 16th July will see another coach trip by the Association, this one to The Piece Hall in Halifax in the morning and National Trust property of Nostell Priory in the afternoon. The Annual Picnic planned for 4th August will celebrate 85 years since the formation of the Nottinghamshire Environmental Association.
The final outdoor visit of 2024 will take place on 10th September and will be to the King William III Visitor Centre in Leicester, followed by the National Space Centre – also in Leicester. Detailed information on outside visits is available from the contacts below.
For further information, contact Adrian Blackburn at adrian.blackburn@sky.com or 07718 766873, or Paul Willcock at paul@paulwillcock.com or 07581 531595. New members are always very welcome to join this friendly bunch!