Sixteen birders set off on the long slope down into the tranquil valley immediately spotting a Treecreeper showing off. Soon our curiosity was sparked when we noticed a pair of large metal sheets just off the path which we carefully lifted up, hoping to spot some wildlife resting in the cool and dark. There was nothing there, but a speedy scurrying was heard which from its size and shape may have been a Bank Vole. A large, tall patch of thistles was full of Goldfinches and a Kingfisher flashed by as we arrived at the lake for our coffee stop at the picturesque 19th century boathouse, complete with an old rowing boat on the grass outside. Di had specially arranged for the boat house to be opened for us and inside we saw the droppings on the floor as evidence of the bats that roost in the roof space. Through its open windows was a beautifully framed view of the lake in the middle of which was a long arching log with two Grey Wagtails dipping up and down as is their charming habit – a picture-perfect scene. We continued around the lake and enjoyed another perfect scene of a clear mirror reflection in the middle of the lake of a Sandpiper on another log. Buzzard and Sparrowhawk were flying in the open skies. Whilst in the grasses at ground level there were Gatekeeper butterflies fluttering about. 27 species in all, thanks to Di for leading and all who attended. Sa-Re Desai