This Saturday 28th April: Anyone attending?

Hi all,

 Is anyone here attending the Breeding Waders meet on Saturday at Goldcliff Lagoons? I went in search of it yesterday and failed as I wasn't sure where to park (I now know after looking online last night). The meeting place is the Farmers Arms, do you think they will be ok with people parking there?

It's been fine with them in the past.It didn't seem to be open in the mornings. (But it's been refurbished so has the management changed?)

Hi Cath,

I have no idea, only been there once before. I guess I'll just have to go and see what happens. Cheers.

Funnily enough I was talking to somebody today who regularly parks there and walks down Salt Marsh Lane and round the Wetlands back to the pub, however they do go in there and have a starter on something so guess they're O.K. with that. I was down there today and didn't like to chance it, so pulled onto the grass verge just on the left, after passing the 'Bridle Path' sign. This is the only sign, as I mentioned in an earlier post entitled 'Beware of the Leopard'! - the replies explain all - so worth looking up!

Haha, thanks John, ill be looking for that now.

All I will say is where ever you decide to park, do so safely,(the road is subject to national speed limit), it can be a bit dangerous. Please park with consideration for the residents who live in the area, most do not have any issues with legal parking at the roadside, but they will not be pleased if the access to the local amenities are blocked.

would never intentionally cause any agro in that respect which I why I wondered  where is the best place. I suppose parking at the sea wall and walking back would be a good option, bit of a trek though...

Most of the old school farmers have no problems with birders parking on the roadside, indeed a lot of the farming community take an active interest in the birds in the area, and are often a good source of knowledge.

The new owners of the house by the sea wall have actually complained about locals parking alongside the house, though this has been going on since I started visiting, over forty years ago, and was commonplace when they purchased the property.

As I've always said as long as you are considerate you should be ok, wherever you park, as there are no legal constrains on parking in the area other than the normal access ones that are basic common sense :)

I guess just be considerate to others as much as possible. As long as its legal and you arent blocking access theres not much people can say/do. Im surprised at the new owners taking offence to the parking, i always park there as do many others when walking the sea wall. We all pay road tax, some people seem to forget that.

That particular information was passed to me by someone who has lived on one of the farms all her life, and walks the dogs along the sea wall there twice a day, every day, and always has. So it's not just birdwatchers that some new residents have issues with.

I now use public transport, to visit the area, so do not have the issue of parking. I never had any problems in all the years I used a vehicle, or when I used to cycle there as a youngster ;).

It's a wonderful area with a wealth of way-marked paths, Bridleways and public rights of way. I hope you get to see lots of waders on your visit.

Oh, and keep your eyes open along the hedgerow "behind" the actual hides,( to your left as you face the sea wall), at this time of year they can be full of warblers

Hi Tom. When you do get down to the lagoons you will find some magnificent hides and blinds. You may have to share them with some of the local residents (pictured) who have taken a recent interest in birding!

Ewe've been framed :)

Thats made me want to visit all the more now, haha. Those hides do look fantastic, will have a good few hours chilling out in those. Spotted this on Monday while driving towards the sea wall, stunning bird.

Disappointed not see the sheep wearing the latest Swavorski 10x32's! ;o)

Wish this torrential rain would stop, I would be back down there like a shot .. with this rubbish weather, concentrating on the new business so I can go out when the sun comes back out!

Missing my old mucker Barman58 anyways! I want to see his new specs .. he might spot that robin on his hat then! ;o))

Ant

Too right about the weather. I live up Cwm in Pontypool and it's been on and off downpours all day. Busy painting the kitchen cabinets to freshen the place up anyway. I have got the camera set up looking out the french doors onto my feeders, LOADS of sparrows, Blue & Great Tits visiting today. As well as my resident Blackbird pair.