Nene Park changes with the seasons and there is always something to look out for and enjoy at all times of year.

Spring

The first signs of spring may appear in February with snowdrops appearing across the Park.

Look out for the first arrivals of birds; listen out for different birdsong of Chiffchaff, Blackcap and Cuckoo and sightings of Swallow, Sand Martin and Common Tern. Along the river, look out for Herons carrying sticks for nest building.

Keep your eyes peeled for frog and toad spawn on the lakes and river. 

Bluebell Wood in Ferry Meadows is called Bluebell Wood for a reason! Come in spring and enjoy the carpets of Bluebells throughout the wood. Bluebells flower early to ensure that they are not shaded out by the woodland canopy. Flowering times are between April and May but vary year to year so best to check before you make your visit.

Summer

As spring moves to summer look for the wild flower areas we leave in the Park by letting the grass grow long – e.g. the Mound at Lakeside, the areas on/around Coney Meadow and Oak Meadow and the strip along Roman Point.

Summer also brings butterflies, dragonflies, damselflies and bumblebees aplenty to the Park.  

Look out for reptiles too - grass snakes can be seen on the meadows and also swimming in the river. You might be lucky to see a common lizard too. 

Autumn

Enjoy the range of autumn colours in the woodlands, especially Lynch Plantation.

Birds are migrating in autumn too with departures from Swifts and Swallows and arrivals - Redwing and Fieldfare, Wigeon, Goldeneye, Teal and Snipe.

Winter

Winter brings a vast range of overwintering wildfowl to the lakes and flooded Heron and Goldie Meadows. Go to the viewing platforms overlooking the meadows and see what you can see. You might be able to spot Wigeon, Teal, Shoveler, Gadwall and Pintail. 

Winter is also a time in the Park for tree maintenance so you may see pollarding and coppicing being carried out by our Park Management team.