David Rowell
The Natural World – June-July 2026
The Natural world – Richard Astle’s round up of nature happenings in Langdyke land covering the early parts of the summer period June-July 2026 The first two months of Summer 2026 will be remembered, I am sure, for the four heatwaves and unbroken dry spell, the hottest and longest in history. And while that translated … Read more
The Wasp spiders are back
Langdyke volunteer Jackie Robinson’s August report from around the reserves. She asks what are those lovely white fluffy things in the sky? And hopes for some rain soon … Well done to the firefighters, farmers and others who have responded to the ever-growing numbers of wildfires, let’s hope that not all of them were malicious! … Read more
Have you seen Georgie our most travelled member?
Meet Georgie … Langdyke’s newest and probably most travelled member. She’s of no fixed address, most recently seen perched on the power lines alongside the Maxey Cut and occasionally glimpsed on one of Langdyke’s reserves nearby. Georgie is one of the rare Turtle Doves seen in the area – officially known by the ring on … Read more
Travel with other Langdyke members to Estonia
Join Wildlife Travel and Langdyke Countryside Trust members for a nature trip to Estonia in May 2027 Following two highly successful natural history holidays to the Vercors in south-east France and Transylvania, Wildlife Travel is arranging another special trip for members of Langdyke. In May 2027, the group will travel to Estonia to experience the … Read more
FIRE HAZARD – please take extra care on our reserves
If you are visiting one of our reserves please take extra care during this long hot spell which has created tinder dry conditions and increased the risk of fire. There have been a number of field fires across the area in recent days and all of our sites are obvious risks. So if you visit … Read more
It Ain’t Half Hot ..!
Langdyke volunteer Jackie Robinson’s monthly round-up of happenings she has witnessed on our reserves Well, it’s been a bit hot, hasn’t it? The butterflies at least are loving it. At Swaddywell Pit 214 individuals have been counted this week and 208 last week. Marbled Whites have put on an excellent show, with Skippers and Meadow … Read more
Actor Toby among new Clare project patrons
Actor Toby Jones and celebrity gardener Adam Frost are to become patrons of the Lngdyke-supported John Clare Countryside Trust. The announcement demonstrates growing national support for the project’s ambition to create a large and accessible heritage landscape west of Peterborough, a destination for visitors, home to thriving farming and wildlife and a place for quiet … Read more
Reserve doubles in size
Christ’s College Pits Nature Reserve, is set to double in size, creating more space for wildlife including Glow Worms, Small Copper Butterflies, ducks, egrets and owls. This expansion has been made possible through an agreement with landowners Milton Estate and Tarmac, who will work in partnership with Langdyke to manage the expanded reserve, initially … Read more
Nature writer Nic is guest speaker
A leading nature writer will be the keynote speaker at Langdyke’s annual meeting on Thursday, July 9. Nic Wilson (pictured above), one of the patrons of the John Clare Countryside, will be guest speaker at the event at the barn at Etton High Meadow. She’ll be talking about her work and her love for the … Read more