Neatholme Fen (IVNR)

Access via a circular path that runs from Neatholme Lane between the Fen and Neatholme Pit around to Linghurst Wood plus a viewing screen that overlooks the main water body and from several viewing points along Neatholme Lane. This former gravel pit was restored with the intension of creating a wetland ‘fen’ type habitat but after several attempts at establishing a reedbed here we now arrive at what you see today. A mix of shallow scrapes with deeper areas and surrounded by scrub and pockets of reed. However, this area has certainly become one of the best birding sites over the reserve and is currently the focus for wader and gull watchers. Spring through to Autumn is the best time to visit especially as it attracts good numbers of passage migrants including waders, terns and gulls. Breeding birds here are also numerous including Oystercatcher, Redshank, Ringed Plover, Little Ringed Plover, Lapwing, Common Tern, Shelduck, Gadwall, Pochard, Great Crested Grebe and Kingfisher plus Green Woodpecker, Willow Tit and Turtle Dove along the lane by the fen. Breeding passerines in the margins here include, Reed Bunting, Sedge Warbler and Reed Warbler plus Blackbird, Lesser Whitethroat, Common Whitethroat, Goldfinch, Linnet and Long-tailed Tit in the nearby scrub. The area has also recently attracted increasing numbers of Little Egret which often roost in the trees along the edge of Linghurst Wood. Winter gatherings of wildfowl are impressive with Goosander, Goldeneye and Smew regularly seen plus this site has some excellent winter gull roosts.

Rarities

Rarities have included:

• Great Northern Diver (1993)
• Great White Egret (2015 and 2016)
• Green-winged Teal (2016)
• Black-winged Stilt (2018)
• Roseate Tern (2022)

Scarcities

Scarce species have included:

• Pectoral Sandpiper
• Temminck’s Stint
• Grey Plover
• Osprey
• Pied Flycatcher
• Tree Pipit
• Avocet
• Black-necked Grebe