Lepe Country Park is on the south coast of the New Forest between Beaulieu and Calshott and is a wonderful place to visit for a day’s winter birding. The group met on the pine-fringed cliffs and started by venturing down to the beach to look for waders. The tide was coming in, causing the birds to be nearer the shore for excellent views of oystercatchers, grey plovers and a common gull. We chatted to another group of birders who survey the shore weekly and they put us on to a great northern diver out to sea, which we had good views of through the telescope.

Lepe has a bird hide looking out over the River Blackwater and from this we had exciting views of three marsh harriers chasing over the water. As we enjoyed our coffee break we had fun watching two water rail creeping out of the reeds. They were cheekily taking advantage of seeds dropped by the range of tits and finches visiting the feeders.

Walking to Stansore Point we scanned the pools at the back of the shore and were pleased to spot a few snipe hunkered down on the water’s edge, as well as a greenshank and a rather incongruous peacock which must have escaped from the local manor house garden. What it thought of the Solent in winter is hard to fathom!

The Lookout Cafe on the beach is always appreciated by us and provided a welcome re-fuelling stop for lunch. We were very lucky with a sunny, calm morning with plenty of birds and good company to start the new year. Perfect!