On a warm sunny September morning, nine members of the group visited Rye Meads on a shared-car trip
The Hemel Hempstead Local Group help support this reserve by allocating funds raised to be spent on maintaining and developing the site.
The reserve, which is operated in partnership with Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust, has undergone much development and expansion recently and the new Visitor Centre has been opened this year.
There is a new scrape, complete with Draper hide, which attracts waders such as the Green Sandpiper, Snipe and Lapwing, which were present during our visit. The scrape also produced Grey Heron, Coot, Moorhen, Ruddy Duck, Little Grebe, Gadwall, Shoveler, Teal and Mallard.
The open water, overlooked by the Tern and Gadwall hides, produced Great Crested and Little Grebe, Gadwall, Pochard, Mallard, Shoveler, Cormorant and Mute Swan.
The Kingfisher Hide overlooks the bank where the kingfishers have successfully fledged two broods this year, although unfortunately, we did not see any. We did however see Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler and Great Spotted Woodpecker.
This was a morning visit taken at a slow leisurely pace and so we did not have time to complete the circular walk around the whole reserve.
The walk was arranged for beginners to brush up their identification skills. Although very few beginners attended, the trip was a thoroughly enjoyable experience, with good weather, good company and good environment.
Dave Jones