Rotary Ramble

January’s Rotary Ramble was around Cosmeston Lakes and Country Park. The Country Park opened to the public in 1978 and gained Local Nature Reserve status in May 2013. Having previously been a quarry and landfill site, today the park is a haven for local wildlife.

Eight ramblers set off on an overcast but generally dry morning, taking the path alongside the Eastern Lake. Continuing north, a slight detour was taken to view St. Peter’s Church at Old Cogan, a grade II listed building and one of the oldest buildings in the Penarth area.

The church dates from the 12^th century and was extended in the 16^th century. There was no church activity after 1830, the roof collapsed and the building was used to shelter cattle. Renovated in the late 1800s by the Marquis of Bute, divine services restarted in 1894. In 2017, with funding from the National Lottery, conservation work was carried out to address dampness, improve ventilation and replace floorboards.

Rejoining the path north of the lakes, the ramble passed through woodland where they were joined by the local wildlife, particularly squirrels and various birds. Turning south the group passed through the reed beds alongside the Western Lake, arriving at Cosmeston Medieval Village (header photo).

A most enjoyable and well deserved drink and meal at the Captains Wife Pub, completed this month’s outing.