Richard and Jo led the Dirty Dozen off on a hot but cloudy morning from the Three Horseshoes at Goulceby to what would become a wildlife extravaganza.

The group were given a rousing send-off when promenading touring cars from the 50s and 60s - MGs, TR4As. TR6, Hillman Imp, Morris Minor, Mini etc. coasted through the village. This prompted cries of "I used to drive one of those" and "Crikey are those still going".

The ford was negotiated via the footbridge and in the Wildlife Conservation Area Fenland flora and fauna fine folk found a wide range of species; meadow sweet, marsh thistle, common spotted and pyramidal orchids, and rose bay willow herb were just a sample of the variety, along with a multitude of ringlet and the occasional meadow brown butterflies, and blue damselflies. Not to mention ergot infestation on some of the grasses.

The route, along the Viking Way led eventually to the Green Man at Scamblesby where Kelham Island and Youngs Bitter were taken outside on the pub bench tables, and most welcome they were too, especially in the heat of midday.

Eventually the party wended its way back - this time taking the high road back to the Three Horseshoes and Tom Woods Lincoln Gold and the ubiquitous GK IPA.

All beers sampled on the day were rated highly and lunch was very tasty. A vote of thanks was given to Richard and Jo for organising the walk.

The Three Horseshoes

The Three Horseshoes at Goulceby was threatened with permanent closure, but reopened its doors on 1st March. Its previous owners had applied for planning permission to change it to a house, but due to local support, and Louth branch providing a viability report, the Council rejected the application.

So a worthy pub saved.