THIS IS A RECORD OF A GUIDED WALK TO HALE DUCK DECOY, WITH PHOTOGRAPHS, BY PETER AND DIANE INNES, ON THE 14TH NOVEMBER 2009.

The group arrived at the access to the Decoy, with Rob, the ranger. Due to the muddy conditions, we had to enter the area from the road. The group was a mixed bunch but all were very interested in seeing the Decoy for the first time, especially the youngest member of the group, who was keen to use his new binoculars.

The walk was made interesting by Rob's explanations and the excellent, wooden, carved, information boards. A lot of thought has obviously gone into making the most of the Decoy's fascinating features, The fact that the Decoy was created so long ago, when the surrounding area would have looked very different, made the group all the more appreciative of this unique reserve and provoked many questions.

Rob explained about the way the Decoy had been constructed and the materials used and how these had changed across time. He pointed out that every effort has been made to leave examples of all the methods of construction, so that the Decoy  retains its air of authenticity.

Walking around the site, it became more and more difficult to associate our location with the Decoy proximity to the hustle and bustle of modern life. Whilst aeroplanes flew very low, overhead, on their way to the runways of John Lennon airport, engine noise became intermingled with the flapping of herons' wings, as they took to the air, from the safety of the central pool. As we strove to count the herons, teal circled above us; just some of the hundreds, which had been spotted on the pool, earlier in the morning.

The path itself was in pristine condition, all brushwood having been cleared away earlier in the month by volunteers. The group was curious about a few dead trees, which could be seen amongst the thick vegetation, at the centre of the Decoy. Rob explained that there had been a very high tide, about 15 years ago, which had washed salt onto the Decoy, damaging some trees.

All members of the group were captivated by the pool itself. From the hide, we looked out onto the most delightful, tranquil oasis of calm, which must be an invaluable refuge for thousands of birds, which pass across the Mersey Estuary, by Pickerings Pasture, every season. Weak sunlight produced beautiful reflections of burnished leaves, on the water's surface. I'm sure all of us could have stayed there for hours, soaking up the atmosphere!

The true scale of the engineering, behind the Decoy's construction, became apparent as we continued our visit. All aspects had been very carefully planned, including the screens, which were erected to prevent human interlopers from frightening the birds. Everyone was very interseted in Rob's explanation about the use of dogs, at the Decoy.

Our arrival at the Gamekeepers cottage rounded off a perfect visit, as it gave a facinating insight into the lives of people who used to work in this unique environment and reinforced the feeling that we were indeed experiencing a different world.

Many thanks to Rob, whose expertise and enthusiasm made the visit so enjoyable, and to the dedicated volunteers, who have worked so hard to restore the Decoy.