On Saturday 13th January 07, the Friends of Pickerings Pasture were taken on a guided walk, to Hale Duck Decoy, lead by Rob Smith, the ranger. While many of the Friends have done voluntary work at the Decoy or joined a group on a previous guided walk, this was the first time they had gone as a group. Luckily the rain held off and the visit was very enjoyable.

The Friends had a chance to take a look at the work done on the History Tree and the artefacts in the cottage, both elements of their Hale Duck Decoy Gamekeepers Cottage project, funded by a LHI grant. A lunch break was taken in front of a roaring fire, in the cottage.

From the bird hide, at the pond, around 200 Teal, 4 Cormorant, a pair of Shoveler Ducks, a pair of Pintail Ducks and some Mallard were observed. A Peregrine Falcon was also seen in flight and on the ground during the walk.

The group was joined by visitors Trefor and Sylvia, from Creativity Jones, who came along to experience the special atmosphere and magic of the Decoy and to take photographs. You too could join a future guided walk by contacting the ranger on 0151 4247065.