On 6th April, I visited Wicken Fen RSPB Nature Reserve with my friend Margaret.  In the picture, above you can see a view back to the entrance to the Reserve.  To the left were a cottage, and workshop of  the site Fen Wood Worker.  We had an fascinating  conversation with him.  He showed us the tools of his trade, and the materials he worked with.  We also explored the fen cottage, dressed out for the 1900’s.  Scripture Texts on the walls, and so many things that reminded us of years gone by in our grand/great grand mothers’ homes.

We entered the RSPB Nature reserve and quickly found a hide, just beyond the left of the picture, with a view over a small, reedy fen pool.  On the banks were two sets of bird feeders.  These are the birds we saw:  Blue Tit, Bull Finch, Dunnock or Hedge Sparrow, Gold Finch, Great Tit, Green Finch, Red Poll, and later on, on the walk back, a possible Marsh Harrier.  I have to admit I was very excited.  I hadn’t seen some of these for years!  Excitement isn't good for birdwatching!  I quickly realised I had to sit on my excitement, to see any birds!

Beneath, and feeding on dropped birdseed, were little families of - wondered if they were water voles, but with their sharp faces and little ears, think they were mice.  Their boldness alone precluded water voles, which are shy and elusive.  Then we walked round the wooden walkways, back to the site office.

What a wonderful afternoon - full of simple enjoyment.  It blessed me to see so many texts, and a picture of Ruth in the cornfield, gleaning - perhaps close to the life of the housewife, who lived in the cottage.  Looking at them, the sheer numbers told me, these weren’t just for decoration, but an expression of real faith in Jesus Christ.