On shifting sands

It’s been a frustrating year for the new Queen’s Guide to the Sands who hasn’t been able to lead any walks, but has spent plenty of time in Morecambe Bay

- Paul Mackenzie

Michael Wilson is following in illustrious, and ephemeral, footsteps as the Queen’s Guide to the Sands.

Michael took over the role last year from Cedric Robinson who guided people safely across Morecambe Bay for 56 years. In that time Cedric, who received a CBE for his work, helped hundreds of thousands of people experience the fascinating landscape of the bay – and raise millions of pounds for charity at the same time.

In April last year Michael became the 26th person to hold the title since the first Guide to the Sands was appointed in the mid-1500s. Michael was selected by Cedric after the Duchy of Lancaster stepped away from making the appointment.

Michael, who turns 48 this month, was chosen because as a fourth-generation fisherman in Morecambe Bay, Cedric knew he would understand the ever-shifting sands and the changing nature of the landscape, where over his five-plus decades in the role Cedric saw the river channels deepen and the rivers run faster.