There’s a local field trip to Ogmore next Sunday, 26th Feb, the main aim to see Purple Sandpipers, but also any other waders and whatever else may be around of course, including Goldeneye and Goosander on the river. We normally do some initial scanning at Portobello but the parking ‘field’ there is now closed off. Offroad parking opposite at the entrance to Pant Norton is very limited so as we are a group and also as the tide is in from about 10 a.m. to midday I suggest we meet in the main car park at Ogmore-by-Sea.

I will try to get there by about 9 a.m. and I suggest parking at the far [eastern] end which is nearest where the Purple Sands are usually found.

Acc to the Vale Council website, parking charges are £1 for up to 1 hour, then £6 all day, so apparently nothing in between. As I am thinking of then walking upstream by the R., Ogmore towards Portobello so we’ll inevitably be more than 1 hour so be prepared to pay £6, unless you have a disablility badge, then it’s free. Apparently all the machines accept cash or card payment, including contactless. They do not give change for cash payments.

As usual let me know if you intend coming. I’m afraid I can’t offer car sharing unless you’re somewhere convenient west of Penarth. johndw1948 at gmail dot com