Longton

 2026.....AND WE'RE OFF !

Anthony, Danny, John

In the middle of the post festive melange and various "Bugs" scurrying about, our first walk of '25 was some what inauspicious. Only three of us set off for a much "pruned" walk round Longton "Brickworks" nature reserve.

Through the main entrance. Past the welcome sign and the visitor  centre and parked up in one of several scattered parking areas.

centre

As we walked alongside the first lake in the Brickcroft we could see a dark circular patch which was ice free.

The ducks and swan were further away slip-sliding on the ice.

On the other side of the path away from the main lake was a small pond which we assumed was a "Dipping Pond" used by school children in the warmer months. It too, was frozen over. Anthony tested it with his stick and found it to be strong and thick. Reminding of a few screen and sporting idols we have seen.

As in most public parks  and reserves some clever sculptures were on display. Above a Heron with a fish in it's  bill. Below a different bird (Kingfisher) sculpted in a different style and medium.

Here, not a sculpture, but a real live squirrel. Note the birdbox which has the name of it's donor fastened to it. So had all the bird boxes we passed. One could just imagine a pair of bluetits discussing their plans for the day.

 " We could go to Paul and Linda's for a brew then on to Jane and Brian's for lunch."

The hole in the ice again. Further to the right were the usual water birds gathered on the ice.

A powerful promise that ,despite the bitterly cold day, Spring is on it's way. Catkins bursting out of the branches.

A decision to sit a while on one of the many commemorative benches by the lakes brought ducks scurrying across the ice in the hope of being fed.

In recent years the naturalist on the media have been telling us that feeding bread to the ducks is bad for them.  WELL  I haven't the knowledge to gainsay them BUT I shall be celebrating my 80th Birthday this year and have been (as have generations of children) feeding bread and scraps to ducks in the parks for as long as I can remember....Say 77 years... AND THERE ARE STILL A LOT OF DUCKS AROUND,

Stand up straight John. You look each and every one of those 79 years.

Into the car after a refreshing amble round this well kept reserve. when we  soon found an excellent cafe in Longton...... Lunch and then home after a short but very pleasant "Fresh Air" experience.

GOOD CHOICE DANNY

BYE FOR NOW

JOHN W