Swan Lake

A couple of miles from home there's a small lake and nature reserve actually named Straw's Bridge but known locally as Swan Lake, because of the birds which visit. It's a place I've driven past many, many times, but never stopped at, so, in the spirit of making an effort to explore on my doorstep, we headed there for an evening dog walk.













There were certainly lots of swans - we counted eight at least - but there were more Canada geese (maybe Canada goose lake doesn't have the same ring to it).







Driving past it appears quite small but even from the car park, I realised the lake was much bigger than I'd thought - also, footpaths and bike trails lead further afield, following old canals and railway lines.












Following this cycle trail we discovered another lake, but then got a little lost, and had to retrace our steps!

The whole area is a reclaimed industrial site (the lakes were once opencast quarries), but now it's nature reserve with native trees, a mix of wild flowers, and the odd stark reminder of the past.

It's a rather lovely 'find', and a place I'll certainly return to for a gentle stroll, ro just to sit and watch the sun set over the lake. Next time though, I'll try to find a map!