Busy Busy Busy

Yesterday proved to be one of the busiest on the reserve since we opened. The day started well with the Alzheimer's Society holding a Memory Walk around the reserve. Over 50 people turned up to walk behind our Walk Leaders who acted as Pied Pipers. The weather went from dark overhead to bright sunshine and warmth which helped the walkers enjoy their journey.

Next up were the ex-Barclays Bank Ramblers Club who appeared unannounced in the Car Park. I bet they wished they'd contacted us before arriving because we could have told them the reserve was busy and potentially birdlife may have been scarce. I tempered them with information about the discount deal we've done with the Dog & Doublet inn along the canal. (Ask me for details.)

Not having time to draw breath before my next group arrived -  a party of 18 from the local Spice club. I led these regulars around the Wetlands Trail and I tried to remember everything I'd heard during the BBC Autumnwatch programme last Friday (the walk had an Autumn Wildlife theme). Returning at lunchtime for drinks and muffins, I had time for half a sandwich before being summoned for my next walk.

2pm on Sunday afternoons means the Walk it off walk - this was set up to help visitors walk off their lunch - in my case half a sandwich! Our visitors were joined by a group of RSPB fundraisers who just happened to be holding a meeting in Middleton Hall. So, arming myself with Peter Rollin, a local birdwatcher of some repute, we set off again around the Wetlands Trail. I not only repeated the earlier walk, I also repeated my jokes and anecdotes (sorry Peter). Anyway, the weather was fabulous and it just added to a marvellous walk.

By the time we got back to the POD, I was slightly fatigued (decency prevents my true state) and after putting the POD away I headed home - only to be told I was to take our puppy out for a walk. No wonder I was asleep on the settee by 8.30pm! Exhausted and elated by having had such a busy but great day.

Thanks for listening everyone.