Perfect Paxton

Paxton Pits is a reserve where lakes, woodland and meadows provide a rich backdrop for nature’s spectacle. As it flows on just a fraction of its journey from Syresham to the North Sea, the River Great Ouse sweeps its arm around the south and east boundaries of the reserve, like a protective guardian.

On a seasonably sunny Sunday in late June, we had only wandered a minute or so from the visitors’ centre when we were greeted by a vibrant meadow dancing with golden buttercups. At this time of year, scatterings of assorted wildflowers and floral bushes adorn the paths, and blushing dog-roses overhang yellow irises which sit proudly amongst wild grasses.

The lakes provide a great opportunity to spy on all manner of water birds such as great-crested grebes, herons and little egrets. From the Hayden Hide, a small island is visible on which cormorants gather in their pterodactyl-like glory. They stand here with inky outstretched wings, drying off their feathers in between dives. There is also something extraordinary about watching the graceful aerial acrobatics of common terns as they glide over and dip into the water, wildly screeching at each other.

Now that summer has arrived, these rich habitats are buzzing with a wealth of fascinating insects. Lucent azure Common Blue damselflies flutter between reeds like elusive whispers, moving their wings independently and moving us to wonder. Insects often get the reputation of being mundane or unpleasant but I challenge anyone with that attitude to sit and carefully watch an insect going about their business. The longer you watch, the more intricate and fascinating their movements become. Just watching a bee busily foraging for pollen for a few minutes can be an incredibly relaxing experience.

Although more difficult to spot, mammals also have their place at Paxton. I have sat for many happy periods watching the playful escapades of grey squirrels as they eagerly nibble from the feeding tables and competitively chase each other away from the nuts. However, it is not quite so easy to catch sight of the hares, badgers and foxes that are present at Paxton but are by nature elusive. You really would need to be in the right place at the right time to see them. A mammal that I have always wanted to see at Paxton is the otter. There have been many sightings of them over the years, and only a few weeks ago a volunteer told me that one had been seen recently near the moorings, but as of yet I have not been lucky enough to spy one for myself.

A day at Paxton feels like the most delicious escapism, but experiences of nature shouldn’t just be a means of escaping, they should be an integral part of our lives. We should appreciate the beauty of nature every day and relish those moments of intimacy with wildlife that really make us feel alive. We need to stop and appreciate the awe-inspiring palette of a sunrise, the effortless grace of a butterfly and the sheer breathtaking ruggedness of a limestone cliff. Most of all we need to stop taking these things for granted by assuming that nature will always be there for us even if we’re not there for it. Whatever it is that drives us in our moments of stress, we need to remember what really matters. Many things that we worry about are mere human constructs, but fighting for nature provides us with a goal that transcends the transience of money and reputation. After all, nature is the only real thing we have. And doesn’t that make it worth fighting for?