It was another damp and misty day but we wrapped up well and braved the elements on a walk up to the reservoir. We could barely see the crag. However, on this cheerless day, nature rewarded us. First, appearing through the mist, we saw a flock of lapwings circling above the water, their distinctive wings light, then dark, beautiful in flight. Whilst watching them we heard a familiar piping sound and were delighted to realise that the oyster catchers were back, returning to their breeding grounds for the spring. As we got nearer we realised that there were quite a flock of them lined along the grassy bank on the far shore. We returned home with a spring in our step and feeling glad that we had ventured out.

Barbara Kipling

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