The WVBS had a very successful field trip on the Wash Cruise from Boston Lincs in Oct 2009. I am trying to arrange a repeat of this field trip for the Society on 23rd Sept 2012. The boat will leave Boston at 08.45 hrs. which means an early start from our area.  As last time we can visit Frampton Marsh, if we choose, after the cruise.

Further details will not be available until early Jan but I would like to give the organisers an early indication of our level of interest and the number of us who are interested. Last year they sold out very quickly and I do not want us to miss out. Payment will be required within 4 weeks of making the group booking i.e. by end Jan.

Prices will be:
RSPB Members £15.00 Non-members £17.50
Please contact me to let me know you are seriously interested.
Ray Gribble Tel 01603 872709

You can read the report of our previous trip here.

Details of the Cruise

The Wash is the UK’s most important estuary for wildlife and the coastline has some of the best saltmarsh and mudflats in the country. It supports thousands of wildfowl and waders on their migration. On our cruises we see these habitats from the seaward side, allowing us to get close to the birds.

In 2010 we saw over 114 species, with around 60 species seen per trip. Sightings include waders, such as ringed plover, turnstone, dunlin, knot, redshank, black-tailed and bar-tailed godwit as well as little egret, eider, marsh harrier, various terns, peregrine, common buzzard, gannet and kingfisher. Seals hauled out on the exposed mudbanks are also seen on most trips

The cruises last 4 ½ to 5 hours.

We board the boat at Sluice Bridge on the River Witham in Boston. After negotiating the lock we travel down river to the Witham mouth and out into The Wash for about a mile or so. Our return journey takes us along the River Welland, which is bordered on both sides by saltmarsh, including RSPB Frampton Marsh reserve.

The boat is well equipped, with seating both outside and in the lounge. Refreshments are available from the galley, including hot and cold drinks and delicious freshly made sandwiches and snacks. There is a toilet on board