I live for summer – particularly reading a book in a deckchair, accompanied by languid dub reggae, cold cider, and a temperature of at least 24 degrees. But I’ve learned that Fritton Lake all year round is truly delightful – there is no better way to recharge than a slow walk through the woods with eyes peeled in all directions for wildlife.
Each month has something different to offer, so it is difficult to suggest a best time to visit. But I can offer some personal highlights of the nature you can see during each season to help you decide when to stay.
Winter
There are fewer places I’d rather be in winter than at Fritton Lake – December through February means sipping whisky in front of a roaring log fire, soaking in the hot tub while gazing up at the stars, and enjoying seasonal Christmas menus at the Fritton Lake Clubhouse.
Winter breaks at Fritton Lake are also a time to reach for the binoculars. The birdfeeders at the lodge are usually covered with a frenzy of birds, watched by jealous squirrels. You’ll be able to see Blue Tits, Great Tits and Coal Tits bingeing on fatballs without moving from the sofa. If you are lucky, you can also spot Woodpeckers and Barn Owls.
Come January and your heart cannot fail to be warmed by spotting the first snowdrops emerging throughout the woods – a sign of renewal and hope for the year ahead.
Spring
Watching Fritton Lake awake from its Winter slumber is joyous. The ground turns yellow in March as the snowdrops are quickly followed by glorious carpets of daffodils, and then a shimmering blue from bluebells during April until May. The sheer number of daffodils and bluebells make for a spectacular sight.
But more spectacular still is the rhododendron display around May. Follow the path through the avenue of conifers down to the lake and you’ll be greeted by bushes with flowers of all colours. They almost don’t look real.
Springtime also sees mountjac deer and pheasants wander right up to the cabin, and rabbits aplenty.
Summer
Come June and wildflowers are out in force. The stars of the show at Fritton Lake are undoubtedly the foxgloves. Wander down towards the bird hide and you will see purple towers of bell-shaped flowers that thrust over six feet – bee heaven.
Herb Robert also adds dashes of purple across the landscape in July and August. The woods are festooned with this pretty member of the geranium family named after a 1000 AD French Monk who used to heal ailments with it.
Summer is also the best time to take to the lake. Whether you take out a rowing boat or book a lake safari (highly recommended) you’ll see Herons, Great Crested Grebes and Cormorants. I’ve yet been lucky enough to spot a Kingfisher, but there have been numerous sightings on the North side of the lake near the bird hide.
If you are visiting in summer be sure to pack a foraging basket. A walk around Hillwood will reveal plenty of raspberries in July, while the rest of Fritton Lake is covered in blackberries from August.
Autumn
Fritton Lake in Autumn is truly beautiful. Most obviously from piles of golden leaves underfoot. But less obviously, during September and October keep your eyes peeled for mushrooms of all shapes and sizes that poke up through them.
Mushroom spotting has become a favoured pastime. I’ve taken great joy in spotting perfect red and white spotted Fly Algaric (straight from the pages Alice in Wonderland), nipple-like Pink Bonnets and Parachute Mushrooms with their intricate gills. There’s a mushroom spotting pocket book in the lodge to help you identify your finds, while Fritton reception offers a foraging trip.
Autumn is of course also Game season. You’ll see and hear plenty of pheasant and grouse rooting around outside the lodge, and at the weekend hear rifles crack in the distance as they are bagged for Sunday lunch. So with a chill in the air in the evenings, where better than to head back to the roaring fire at the Clubhouse for some Game Pie?