Short-ARS on Saturday

Aston – Burston Wetland Trail

Next Saturday's walk is just over 4 miles and is along the Aston – Burston Wetland Trail, which Staffordshire Wildlife Trust describe as a wildlife walk near Stone.

When the walk was reconnoitred a few months ago it certainly was wet, and wildlife was particularly conspicuous by its absence! However perhaps the warmer weather will make the walk more interesting, with possibly some birdlife, dragonfly's, butterflies and spring flowers.

Meet at Audlem main car park at 9.30am.

We start at Aston Marina, just south of Stone, and make our way across the River Trent and through the little hamlet of Aston-by-Stone, which despite its size has 2 churches. We then proceed south towards Burston, through farmland and the wetland area, before crossing the Trent again and returning along the Trent and Mersey canal. Terrain is some lanes, then farm tracks and footpaths, with a bit of boardwalk and then a good towpath. Height gain/loss is minimal and stiles were minimal, if any.

Aston Marina is just south of Stone and is just over half an hours drive from here. They have kindly agreed to let us park there and they do have toilets in the bar/restaurant area but muddy boots would not be welcome inside, so if we want to use these services probably best to go in before changing. Afterwards we can stop for a coffee or a drink, although if anyone wanted to have lunch there I believe it has an excellent reputation. The walk shouldn't take that long so we should be back in the village for the arts festival early afternoon.

Whilst dogs are welcome on the walk, we are requested to keep them on leads whilst in the Marina's grounds and then whilst we are in the wetland area there may well be ground-nesting birds around so again they should be kept on leads at this time.

NB All walkers must have suitable footwear and be prepared for adverse weather, carry food and water to last for the entire walk and be suitably fit for the various lengths of walk.

Non-members of ARS are welcome to come on a walk but are expected to join ARS and pay the membership fee after a trial walk or two.

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