Any cold grey morning can be improved by a walk along this track off Hollands Lane. We went looking for the Water Rails spotted there recently by Sharon. No sign of them but our walk did not disappoint. The ‘Stinky Pond’ is running quite fast at the moment, so accompanied by the sounds of singing birds and a man-made waterfall we stood and watched.

A grey wagtail posed beautifully, just watching the world go by.

The pair of Goldcrests flitted amongst the fallen twigs but rarely stayed still for more than a second. In this small area we spotted robins, long tailed tits, blue tits and wrens as well as hearing a Great Spotted Woodpecker drumming.

The footpath is under about a metre of floodwater, but the farm track is passable. From that vantage point we saw Tufted Ducks and Shovelers amongst the variety of waterfowl and waders about. A total of 24 species spotted in under an hour. So if you’re pushed for time but fancy a short walk – this is a great area to visit.