[badgerwatcher]

I was, however, very impressed with the general behaviour of the huge number of very small children who were accompanying their parents and teachers around Slimbridge. How lovely that our children are still being taught interest in and respect for wild creatures. The receptionist in the travel inn in Stroud where we stayed (which is one of the un-modernised ones and therefore fab!) had taken her two pre-school children round there the day before we went, and was saying how much they had all enjoyed it.
So even though the hides are disappointing from the serious birdwatching point of view, they at least have taken care to provide many other things to see as well. We watched the Bewick's being fed at 4 p.m., which gave me a chance to have a really close look at them, and I was fascinated to learn that the people at Slimbridge can recognise each Bewick's seperately by facial markings.
Next time, I will take a fold-up chair so that I can try and see through the wheelchair height windows.
Also, although many of the ducks and geese on the sight are exotic captures, it has awakened in me an interest in ducks and geese, as I have never seen such a huge selection in one place.
And the starling roost was a real bonus.