Leaving the river we made our way to the end of Coach Road and started the gentle uphill climb through the Milner Field Estate, formerly occupied by Titus Salt jnr. Here we had the unusual sight of a flock of seven grey herons seemingly resting in a field. By the time we had reached the far side of the Milner Field Estate at Primrose Lane the weather had brightened and we made our way back down to the river and canal in ever-improving weather, lunching in sunshine at Dowley Gap locks before re-tracing our route back to Bingley.
Being early January, there was little in the way of plant life to be seen, although hazel catkins were filling nicely and we admired the numerous small black berries which Donald advised were of wild privet. Fungi was evident in a few places with a nice clump of turkey tail being the most prominent.
Illness had reduced our numbers and many familiar BEES faces were missing but we were able to welcome two new members, David & Sally, together with Dorothy who had been on just one previous trip. They were all very welcome and everyone seemed to enjoy the short day out.
Many thanks to Donald who undertook the leadership duties with his usual efficiency and to Sue for her excellent driving.
Stuart