Marsh-ian invasion!

One of the most unusual places near where I live is Parkgate. Situated on the Dee Estuary between England and North Wales, three hundred years ago it was one of the main ports for travellers sailing between England and Ireland. However, over the years the estuary silted up to such an extent that the port gradually became unsustainable and was superseded by Liverpool.

These days, the sandstone harbour walls look out to the North Wales towns of Connah's Quay (just about visible at the right of this picture), Flint and Holywell not across a busy river but over 100 square km of salt marsh. The marshlands are managed by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) and the village is popular with birdwatchers and with ice cream lovers in search of the fabulous home-made confections available at Nicholls ice cream shop (on the left, just in front of the cyclists).