Another sunrise along the Nene...

...but this time it has a very different atmosphere to the apparently rural, almost bucolic sunrise I blipped two days ago! It's hard to believe that this photograph was taken less than a mile further east, on the eastern edge of the city looking out across the Nene Washes towards Whittlesey.

This part of the river has been straightened, and the area of mist-laden grassland on the far side is used to accommodate flood-water during the winter and spring. In summer it is grazed by cattle, and this combination of uses makes it an ideal haven for wintering wildfowl and breeding waders. In fact it's not just of national importance, but is of international importance importance, being a Special Protection Area, a Special Area of Conservation and a Ramsar site.

On the far side of the Nene Washes you can see the industrial areas of Whittlesey. This is the only place near Peterborough where bricks are still manufactured and the smoke from the tall chimneys is coming from the brick kilns which operate 24 hours a day during a production run. You can also see the wind turbines that provide the electricity for McCains chip factory and the pylons, distributing electricity from the Peterborough gas-fired power station.

I have to say I rather like this juxtaposition of nature and industry - It is surprising how often the two are found in close proximity. And if you look hard you can just see a swan on the river!

PS Today I found making my choice very difficult. I have posted some other views in the Landscape section of my Blipfolio!