Farewell to Bert  25th November 2024

What a difference a day makes. The weekend's Storm Bert had moved off east, giving way to a sunny and breezy day as 15 Mileaters and 2 spaniels gathered in the car park of the now closed "Elm Tree" in Langton Herring (with permission, of course).

Our route took us past Higher Farm, stopping for a short examination of an interesting (?) example of Forest Green Marble (from Nailsworth perhaps ?), through Ten Acre Plantation and passing Bagwell Farm Caravan Park. Did our worthy leader then take the wrong lane? Impossible !. "Just testing you" was the muttered response as we then headed, back on course, down to Moonfleet Manor and a muddy stretch of the Coast Path.

As we followed the Coast Path alongside The Fleet, good birding opportunities arrived for those of that inclination (various Gulls, Mute Swans, Brent Geese, Little Egrets and Redshank were spotted, amongst others), before a final ascent past the former Coastguard Cottages returned us to our cars.

A most enjoyable lunch ensued at "The Turks Head" in Chickerell, but a shame that "The Elm Tree" is no longer open for business. Hopefully the community initiatives to purchase the pub will bear fruit.

Nick Priddle.