Rutland Water Nature Reserve: lunch, migratory waterfowl and a stroll

Rutland Water is the second-largest lake in England, and home to a huge nature reserve with more than 35 hides covering a wide range of different habitats and views, see https://www.lrwt.org.uk/awbc.

By late November we'll be well into the Autumn migration, so there should be plenty to see on the lakes and reserve - Pintail, Shoveler, Teal and Gadwall, maybe even Marsh Harriers if we get lucky! (The Ospreys breeding at Rutland will have all left for Africa for the winter).

The plan is to explore a couple of hides close to the visitor centre, then lunch at the cafe, before heading out for a bit more of a stroll around the reserve, and to see what we can see - feel free to join for the initial hides and the lunch, and to leave whenever is convenient.

All experience levels are welcome: I'm reasonably familiar with our winter wildfowl, and should be able to put a name to most of the ducks and at least some of the waders - but I am not an expert, so very happy for anyone who knows more than me to share their expertise! Those with little or no experience are equally welcome: I do, at least, have a great joy and love of nature, which I am more than happy to share!

The reserve is huge, and there's no way we'll be able to visit all the hides - we'll do a selection, with a view over a few different ponds and habitats, spending more time where there's more to see. The main paths at Rutland Water nature reserve are good, but there's a few hides and paths it might be nice to explore where the ground is a bit rougher, so please come prepared with appropriate footwear, and ready for winter weather, and particularly the cold. I've put in ~3 hours, but we can play it a little by ear, wrapping up at dusk (~4pm) at the latest.

Binoculars strongly recommended. This event is only appropriate for older children with an appreciation of nature. Assistance dogs only.

The reserve charges £7.50/person for entry (see website, https://www.lrwt.org.uk/awbc), which includes parking.

During the event I will take a voluntary subscription (£2 / attendee suggested): this goes towards the running costs for the Meetup subscription. The Meetup costs have been rising steeply, but if I end up with any excess, somehow, I'll put it into an interesting event - watch the group page for details.