I discovered a small nature reserve near the next town, idyllically wedged between an autobahn intersection and a recycling yard. Only declared as a nature reserve in 1980 it was orginally a lake excavated for gravel. Apparently, it’s a sanctuary for a variety of local birds, even a few not so common ones.

I say apparently because I couldn’t judge for by myself. There is one place from which it can be glimpsed, through an overgrown fence. The local allotments, fenced and only accessible for plot holders, offer an unobstructed view – or so the town’s PR site tells me. Hrmphf.

Water, Water Everywhere