Astbury Mere is a nature reserve near us – the lake is run (is that what I mean?) by a local anglers’ club, so they don’t take too kindly to anything that disturbs the peace of the place. Which is just as well, since it makes for a good evening walk in the summer sunshine to observe the wildlife. It’s only about a mile round, which is just about right, too. You’d never believe you were right next to a town, standing by this lake.