Towards the end of September members of Pitcairn Society from Glenrothes joined us to enjoy a visit to Torry Bay Local Nature Reserve led by ranger Richard Smith. We started off at low tide giving us good views of Shelduck and Wigeon. Walking on the old road along by the shore we saw Red Admirals and many different varieties of wasps enjoying the ivy flowers on the wall. Oak trees were host to various galls including knopper, marble, spangle and artichoke. Glasswort was noted growing in the salt marsh area. Returning through woodland we saw some fine trees amongst which were Turkish Oak (the acorn cup with the spikey hair-do) and a large Pendulous Beech. Very quickly the tide had turned – ducks and waders no more.

Paddy Smith.