Skip to content header Skip to main content Skip to content footer

All hides except Gill's Lookout are accessible to everyone today, including with mobility scooters. Water levels are continuing to drop. Lady Fen trails are now closed until after breeding season, but great views from cafe veranda. All roads including A1101 Welney Wash Road are open. 

Close alert

Incredible insects

Goat moth caterpillar by Louise Clewley
Goat moth caterpillar by Louise Clewley

Goat moth caterpillars are more visible on the reserve at the moment as they move from willow to willow or as the final stage caterpillars look for somewhere to bury themselves ready to pupate.

These large caterpillars are orange with a dark red (amlost black) section along the back and large pinscers which they use to munch through the willow.  The wood is not easily digested so it takes the caterpillars five years to reach the point at which they can turn into a moth.

  • Share this article