On a day with rain and low visibility seventeen members were met at the RSPB West Sedgemoor Centre by two of the volunteer wardens, Nigel and Elaine Smith. Nigel explained the history and context of the site including its conversion from a proposed carrot farm in the 1970’s into a reserve. This was met with opposition from the local landowners, which unfortunately, continues today albeit to a lesser extent. This is the reason why West Sedgemoor is ‘tours-by-groups’ only and the motive behind the RSPB creating Greylake reserve which is accessed directly off the main road. Following this, we walked the half mile to the former carrot barn which had the hide/viewing platform built into the top left-hand corner. On our way a number of winter thrushes were seen as well as the first of our Marsh Harriers and Cranes were heard calling. Despite the poor visibility the viewing platform afforded us good views of the large number of wildfowl and waders using the reserve as well as two pairs of Cranes, at least two more Marsh Harriers and Roe Deer. There was also an owl box in the barn that was used as a roost by Barn Owls. Nigel opened a pellet and showed us the skulls of voles that had been taken as prey. A number of members were allowed to take pellets home for further analysis. Unfortunately, the poor weather put paid to any ideas of Starling murmurations at Ham Wall but 24 species were seen including c.14,000 Lapwing. Thanks to Gareth for leading and Nigel and Elaine for their expert local knowledge. Jon Angell