Rob Smith, the Pickerings Pasture Ranger, lead the Friends on a guided walk from Pickering Pasture Visitor Centre to Hale Duck Decoy, on Sat 13th Jan 07. Many of the group have done voluntary work on the Decoy or joined a past guided walk but this was this first recreational visit that the Friends had made as a group event. Luckily the rain held off and the Friends had a very enjoyable walk.

Stopping at the hide, the Friends saw up to 200 teal on the pond, some mallard, a pair of pintail ducks, a pair of shoveler ducks and 4 cormorant. The Friends also spotted a peregrine falcon, twice, during the walk.

Armed with sandwiches and flasks, a brief stop in front of a roaring fire, at the Gamekeepers Cottage, fueled the Friends for the walk back. Several had their first chance to look at the History tree, situated behind a false door/cover on the rear of the cottage, which is near to completion and designed to give extra information and interest to those taking part in visits to the Decoy.

Visiting guests, Trefor and Sylvia Jones, of Creativity Jones, joined the group walk, to experience the very special atmosphere of the Decoy. You too could experience the pleasure of a guided walk. For details, contact the Rob Smith, at Pickerings Pasture,  on 0151 425 4706.