Sandy Heath (Deepdale) walk – December 18,  2025

With the weather forecast suggesting heavy rain and conflicting Christmas activities a very exclusive group of four assembled for our monthly walk.

The route takes us above the quarried area which is now rewilding naturally.  A Buzzard was seen flying and standing on the ground, though binoculars were helpful.

We walked through a wooded area on to the open heath. Until this stage of the walk the weather was comfortable but when we reached the furthest point from the parking area and with no available cover the rain started.  Unfortunately this suppressed any bird activity as we walked past the recent agricultural area and the scrub area where birds can usually be enjoyed.  Later as we walked along a tree lined path we did see and hear a large mixed tit flock and robins, wrens and goldcrest briefly allowed views.

On returning to the cars we were all soaked but still declared that it had been a good morning and a good area to visit.