Todays walk was a lot of different things.

It was a chance for some to explore a completely new area, or discover a different bit of coast line beyond the popular bird watching vantage points around the Cemlyn lagoons. Most participants came to the walk on their own -  so it was a chance to meet new people and enjoy a New Year walk together.

Some of the group knew each another from previous guided walks and there was chat about what we had seen during our spring, summer and autumn rambles.

The wind was cold, strong and icy and the cloud low and grey. Shelter provided by wind-sculpted blackthorn hedges provided the opportunity to point out a large flock of lapwings in a neighbouring field and enjoy views of shoveler, teal and wigeon on temporary pools which filled the field bottoms.

Taking guidance from a roosting flock of mallards in a sheltered bay, we stopped for lunch, glad to get out of the wind to eat sandwiches, talk together and sip hot drinks. A good time to spot the turnstones feeding in the big banks of seaweed piled up on the beach.

The views were dramatic as we climbed the small drumlin hills and looked towards Carmel head and the Skerries. The rising tide crashed over rocks and we saw and heard chough flying by.

We made a nice circular walk returning along a tree-lined stream leading to Hen Felin and wound back through the sheltered lanes to the lagoon. By the end of the walk it was no longer individuals but a group of acquaintances walking and talking together. Shared enjoyment of walking in a beautiful place and enjoying wild weather and winter wildlife.

Before everyone dispersed, there was also chat about who had booked on which upcoming events - varying from more walks to beach cleans. A community feeling about a shared interest in wildlife and our environment and positive things to look forward to at this often bleak time of year.