About Strumpshaw Fen
Strumpshaw Fen is an RSPB reserve near Norwich. In summer it is one of the few places in the UK where you can see swallowtail butterflies. There is a wide range of other wildlife on the site including marsh harriers and Norfolk hawker dragonflies. There is an entry fee for non-members. The car park can become very full in summer. There are toilets and a visitor centre which has limited refreshments.
Strumpshaw Fen has high-level national and international conservation status, designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), a Special Protection Area (SPA), and a Special Conservation Area (SAC).
Swallowtail
Swallowtail
The swallowtail is found at very few sites in Norfolk. I found this example back on a bush at the visitor centre having spent a couple of hours walking round the reserve without much success.
ref: K33P2304c
[Pentax K3iii; Pentax 150-450; 1/1600 sec at f/11; ISO 1600]
Swallowtail
Swallowtail
This photograph was taken at the 'Doctor's Garden', a short walk along the lane from the Visitor Centre.
ref: DSCF8838c2
[Fujifilm X-H2; Fujifilm 150-600; 1/2000 sec at f/8; ISO 1000]
Norfolk Hawker
Norfolk Hawker
No longer restricted to the county of Norfolk, this dragonfly has spread rapidly in recent years across the country. Nevertheless, Strumpshaw Fen is an excellent location to find one.
ref: K33P2304c
[Pentax K3iii; Pentax 150-450; 1/2000 sec at f/8; ISO 2000]