As us interns have been away on a course for a couple of days, there was no volunteer work party on Tuesday. A couple of our regular work party volunteers didn't get that message though, so as a result, we have a lovely and unexpected blog written by Ian Tams, which describes his journey of discovery through the reserve...
Since February of this year, I have been a member of the Tuesday Volunteer Working Party at Coombes Valley; a reserve that fully justifies being described as a “hidden gem”. Today, the first Tuesday in September, was a day of mixed emotions; disappointment as there wasn’t a work party, and pleasure as I was able just to walk around and enjoy the reserve.
Brash pile image by Ian Tams
At my first working party, I learned a new term - “brashing”. We were creating piles of branches and twigs to improve the habitat for birds and invertebrates. Silver birch trees had been felled at the end of 2012 to create open areas for the pied flycatchers and redstarts that would arrive in the Spring, and to create space for oaks to develop.
Bird activity isn’t high in the reserve in September, but today I’ve seen Blue and Great Tits, a Tree Creeper, a Buzzard and heard a Raven! I’ve not yet seen a Buzzard from Buzzard Bank though!
Combes Brook image by Ian Tams
The reserve is very tranquil – you can hear the water flowing in Combes Brook from many places – but you have to be prepared to put in a little effort to reap the benefits; all the ups and downs of Coombes Valley aren't apparent the Visitor Centre!
There are things of interest all around – like the young oak tree with branches growing only on one side – why is that?
Oaks image by Ian Tams
Bracken abounds – it has a very intersting leaf structure, but is so prevalent that we have to spend a lot of time bashing it to try to prevent it swamping the other plants.
Bracken image by Ian Tams
There is plenty of colour in the reserve, with Rowan berries and the Guelder rose and Ash keys developing – Coombes Valley is free from ash die back.
Rowan, Guelder Rose and Ash images by Ian Tams
On my walk, I saw many different fungi - I photographed a few and identified none – I need to consult a good guide book.
Fungi images by Ian Tams
Today was a really good day.