This year Coombes Valley has grown deeper.
If you haven’t visited in recent months - where have you been?! There is so much more to explore.
The woodcock bench - once an abrupt, albeit picturesque, end to the trails is now a place to stop, catch your breath and drink in the view, before continuing into the heart of the valley.
As of 2014 the extended woodcock trail wanders green, thick and wild for an extra mile through the woodland. It is positively junglesque; an expanse of dense forest entangled with lush vegetation tumbling down the sides of the valley. It’s just waiting to be discovered.
This well trodden route was originally a warden trail, carved by years of management and off-piste escape. It is a natural part of the valley, a truly wild experience, and now it is open for you to enjoy.
Begin your adventure into newly charted territory on the woodcock bench. All year round you can watch for buzzards wheeling and pew-ing in the air above, but at dusk in spring and early summer you might catch a glimpse of male woodcocks 'roding' in the twilight.
Continue along the trail and you will find that the peace and tranquillity that characterises Coombes doesn’t change, but it does reach a new depth here. Where you once would have begun the return to civilisation, continue outbound instead.
Look out for signs of the valley’s industrial past, and enjoy your journey as it undulates through every level of the reserve. Careful though, don’t rush. Make sure to stop frequently, take a deep breath and look up, letting yourself sink into the silence.
When you reach the other side of the valley you’ll discover what is highlight of the new trail for many people; a quiet viewpoint bench, hidden slightly off the path. Sitting here gazing outwards, you’ll gain a true sense of the size and depth of the Coombes as it stretches below.
Beyond the viewpoint the canopy begins to open up and the mood of the woodland changes. The final stretch of the woodcock trail is wide and grassy, winding between patches of purple heather and coppiced birch. Finish off atop buzzard bank to catch your breath.
The new woodcock trail is open now for you to wander and enjoy, thanks to funding from The Heritage Lottery Fund and the Churnet Valley Living Landscape Partnership. Walk it any day of the week, the visitor centre is open from 9am - 5pm and our smiling visitor team will be waiting to greet you.
As well as the new trail, this year sees a whole woodland makeover for the reserve. Come and celebrate on our big Coombes Open Day on Saturday 20th September with a day of family activities, and the grand unveiling of our yurt and natural play trail. http://www.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/seenature/events/details.aspx?id=tcm:9-380001