Did you know that each winter nearby Stocker’s Lake hosts nationally important numbers of visiting wildfowl? In the autumn hundreds of ducks arrive from colder areas such as Russia, Iceland and Scandinavia and then stay until Spring.  Species including Pochard, Shoveler, Gadwall and Tufted Duck are aplenty each winter whilst others such as Wigeon and Goldeneye can also normally be seen. Occasionally, as for long periods last winter, a rare and spectacular Smew makes the lake its home. (Photo: Goldeneye at Stocker’s Lake)

A visit to Stocker’s Lake can be made at any time but to do so in the company of an expert, local guide please join a Friends of Stocker’s Lake (FoSL) “Wildfowl Walk”. There will be three of those this winter beginning with one on Wednesday 6th December at 10am. All FoSL events are free and open to all. Full details can be found at https://www.fosl.org.uk/upcoming-events.