Heronwatch soon to start
Visitors to Ellesmere's mere have, for many years enjoyed watching the herons building their nests and caring for their young, thanks to the town's Heronwatch group.
From the comfort of the Boathouse Visitor Centre on the edge of the Mere people can watch the herons nesting on nearby Moscow Island. Using video cameras, volunteers who run the project capture all the action as the herons build their nests, breed and incubate their eggs, and feed their hungry chicks.
Last year the camera captured some fascinating moments, from the fledgling chicks practising getting wings ready for flight by going from branch to branch in the trees, to a parent heron returning to the next with three koi carp from someone's pond.
The breeding season begins in February and the Heronwatch annual meeting is a chance to discuss plans for this year.
A spokesman for the group said: "We only have one meeting per year and the annual meeting will be short and simple, so everyone is welcome. Our 2017 season starts soon so this is our chance to discuss our plans for this year.
The meeting will be held in the Boathouse on January 13, starting at 9.30am.
