Slimbridge

We'd been looking forward to this mooring for a long time. Fighting our way through 5ft high rushes, we tied up as close as we could to Patch Swingbridge. The lane crossing the canal here led to Slimbridge Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust site. Will had visited 60 years ago and was keen to see how much he remembered!

There were two eateries nearby; the canalside Black Shed and the Tudor Arms. The former was a black corrugated iron barn housing a café and gift shop. Unfortunately it smelled of old chip oil and the staff seemed stressed. In contrast there was a chilled vibe at the pub. As well as organic local cider on tap for Will, it had a great selection of alcohol free beers and ciders for Vicky to choose from. The Specials menu contained tasty dishes for each of us too, with faggots for Will and a sweet potato, caramelised onion seeded tart for Vicky- delicious! The building was split in two. The more formal dining area had traditional decor but we chose 'Skittle Alley' in the light and airy old barn. Each of the floor to ceiling radiators was painted a colour of the rainbow so we couldn't not! At the end of the barn sat three large wooden balls- it looked like the barn was actually used as a skittle alley!

It had been a while since we'd come accross a supermarket so the next day Will cycled 20 minutes to Tesco to stock up. The bikes really are handy; allowing us to stay in beautiful rural locations and access services that would be too far on foot.

We also took the bikes to Slimbridge. Arriving mid morning we saw that the otters were being fed in 30 minutes so made our way towards their enclosure. Taking a bridge over a shallow sloped concrete lake we marvelled at the number of swans, geese, ducks and wildfowl and how relaxed they were. This was the area were visitors could feed the birds with cereals available from reception.

Further in were more tall grasses and bushes hiding scrapes and small ponds. Baby moorhens ducked in and out of the vegetation while their exasperated parents flew furiously at the hapless geese who happened to be nearby. Next to all these native species stood an enclosure containing a flamboyance of pink flamingos!

Several school groups were already stationed at the arc of seating around the perspex enclosed otter habitat. Sam and Tilly, the Asian Small Clawed Otters knew what time it was and were out on floating platforms hissing and screeching excitement. They were a joy to watch as the staff member threw pieces of fish to them, while giving a little talk about the pair and otters in general. Unfortunately it was cut short as one of the visitors collapsed. This was dealt with very professionally. The first aider was radioed and the crowd quietly dispersed. We later saw the visitor sitting up and talking, so hopefully they recovered well.

We took a look at the smaller enclosures adjacent to the otters, containing at risk animals, before heading back to reception to climb the spiral staircase of the observation tower. From here we could see the whole site. It was a lot smaller when Will first visited and new areas were even now being created with mini diggers and dumper trucks.

It was lunch time already so we left to visit Skittle Alley, planning to return that afternoon when we'd seen to the dogs. However, climbing that tower had really tired Vicky. There was still so much to see, but she just didn't have the energy. By choosing to rest she was well enough to enjoy a visit from her old school friend Jo the following evening when she drove up from Bristol for pizza. We don't get to see Jo very often so it was great to be close enough for her to come. Leo was particularly elated to see her 😍😂Read more