Sunday November 25th

Warm, and with a light blue, hazy sky. I was able to wear shorts for the first time in a couple of weeks! The tide was going out, but there were not many birds on the mud, however a small group of four Redshank were running around on the mud opposite and just up river from Sea Walls. They looked as if they were playing tag! I wonder if the bird-courting season is upon us already? It is unusual to see a group of Redshank, usually they are well separated on the mud, and at the waters edge. No sign of any raptors this morning.

Last Thursday saw a meeting of the (now to be named), "Friends of Avon Gorge & Bristol Downs", the meeting was largely concerned with finding a voice and purpose for the group. My own feelings largely concern the impact of traffic on the roads between Stoke Road and the Gorge, something I see a lot of from my cycle rides! This morning saw another 'boy racer' accelerating around Circular Road, last Wednesday I was overtaken at the junction of Rockleaze and Downleaze by a white car doing at least 60mph. It goes on, with other idiots (often in large white vans(!), taking corners whilst conversing on their mobile 'phones, and people leaving 'wheelie marks', rubbish and firework carcases after their night revels. Then we have the new phenomenon of Zoo parking appearing beside Ladies Mile (actually a kilometer). Me, I would close a lot of the area to motor traffic of any type! My own view is that we should leave the whole area as un-interfered with as possible - and exclude cars! The Portway is very attractive on the few occasions it has to be closed for work on the side rocks, or for an event such as the half-marathon or Great Bristol Cycle Ride.