Listening Section 2: Matching & Map/Plan Labelling: Question 2

Syllabus L.section-2

Structured 6 marks

Transcript-based practice (no audio).

Warden: Morning, everyone, thanks for turning up despite the drizzle! I'm Priya, one of the wardens here at Redmere Nature Reserve, and before you head off on your own this morning, I just want to run through the different trails and hides so you know what to expect from each one.

First, a quick note. The East Hide is currently closed for repairs after storm damage to the roof last month, so please don't try to visit that today; everything else on the map is open as normal.

Right, starting with Heron Trail: that's the one that climbs up onto the ridge above the mere, and it's worth doing for the view, but it does get steep and the ground is uneven in places, especially where tree roots cross the path, so honestly I'd only send experienced, sure-footed walkers up there.

If anyone would rather stay on level ground, the Sedge Boardwalk is your best bet. It's a raised timber walkway right across the wetland, completely flat, and it's actually the route we recommend for anyone using a wheelchair or a pushchair, since the surface is smooth the whole way.

Now, Willow Hide. I have to mention this one specially, because we've had a pair of ospreys fishing from the perches just opposite the hide for the last ten days, so if you're hoping to see something a bit special this morning, that's where I'd head first.

The Meadow Loop takes you through the grazing meadow where we keep the reserve's small herd of cattle for conservation grazing. They're moved between fields early each morning, so please avoid that loop before nine o'clock, after that, it's clear and perfectly safe.

Riverside Path runs right along the bank of the Redmere itself, and it's a lovely walk in dry weather, but it does flood fairly often after heavy rain, so if we've had a wet night, check with us at the desk before setting off that way.

And lastly, Kingfisher Hide. That one's extremely popular, so we do ask that you get a free timed permit from the visitor centre before going in, just to keep numbers down and give everyone a fair chance of a quiet view.

Right, any questions before you head off?

What does the warden say about each of the following trails or hides? Choose the correct comment, A–G.

List of Comments A. Currently closed for repairs B. The best option for visitors using a wheelchair or pushchair C. Requires a free timed permit from the visitor centre D. Frequently floods after heavy rain E. Recommended this week for spotting a particular rare bird F. Should be avoided before 9 a.m. while livestock are being moved G. Steep and uneven in places, recommended for experienced, sure-footed walkers only

  1. Heron Trail
  2. Sedge Boardwalk
  3. Willow Hide
  4. Meadow Loop
  5. Riverside Path
  6. Kingfisher Hide
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Worked solution

Answer key with explanations

  1. G. Of Heron Trail, the warden says “it does get steep and the ground is uneven in places… so honestly I’d only send experienced, sure-footed walkers up there.”
  2. B. The Sedge Boardwalk is “completely flat, and it’s actually the route we recommend for anyone using a wheelchair or a pushchair.”
  3. E. Willow Hide is singled out because “we’ve had a pair of ospreys fishing from the perches just opposite the hide for the last ten days”, the rare-bird sighting.
  4. F. The Meadow Loop passes through the grazing meadow, and cattle “are moved between fields early each morning, so please avoid that loop before nine o’clock.”
  5. D. Riverside Path “does flood fairly often after heavy rain,” so visitors are told to check before setting off that way after wet weather.
  6. C. Kingfisher Hide requires visitors to “get a free timed permit from the visitor centre before going in.”

Option A (closed for repairs) is not the answer to any question: it describes the East Hide, mentioned in the warden’s opening note, which is not one of the six trails or hides listed.

Final answers

  • 1 G
  • 2 B
  • 3 E
  • 4 F
  • 5 D
  • 6 C