Wildlife enthusiasts looking for help in telling the difference between a Goldeneye and Great Crested Grebe can take part in a guided walk in Rickmansworth.

The Winter Wildfowl Walk takes place at Rickmansworth Aquadrome between 10am and noon on Saturday, January 28.

The Countryside Management Service and Three Rivers District Council have arranged the walk for anyone interested in the wetland site and Local Nature Reserve. The walk will be about two miles through the Aquadrome, in Frogmoor Lane, setting off from the cafe at 10am.

Ciaran Mullan, projects officer, said: “The winter chill is now biting hard and many of our iconic British animal species have either migrated to warmer climes or become much less active in a bid to conserve energy and resources.

“Our native deciduous trees have shed their leaves and most ground vegetation has long since died back.

“All await the increased daylight and rising temperatures that mark the onset of spring, which still seems a distant prospect.

“You might almost be forgiven for thinking that we have entered a dull, bleak and lifeless period for wildlife spotting in our countryside and urban green spaces.

“However, this is far from true; there is much to see if you know where to look and there are some excellent locations right on your doorstep.”