What a fantastic summer we have had here at Coombes, and I for one am excited to see just how this wonderful place turns from the vibrant greens into the kaleidoscope of colours, sights and sounds that is Autumn.
A great year for butterflies on the reserve. We have recorded 23 species, thats just over a quarter of the UK population with species such as purple hairstreak and Dark green fritillarys, not to mention the numerous amounts of Peacocks being seen by some of you, our amazing visitors. However, summer is not over just yet with lots of Peacock butterflies, Red admirals, Speckled woods, Small tortoiseshells and a Painted lady seen only on Saturday on the viewing platform outside the visitor centre.
Small tortoiseshell, photograph by Elizabeth Ingram
As for birdlife there seems to be goldfinches all over the place at the moment, with flocks appearing near the visitor centre and car parks. These are sociable little birds whose long beak allows them to access difficult to reach seeds from plants such as teasels and thistles. You don't have to go far from the visitor centre to see a group of young buzzards finding their feet, stretching their wings, soaring in the skies above, and the kestral also make a regular visit over the car park and toilets.
Taking a wonder through the top meadow you might come across a small patch of pretty white flowers known as eyebright or Euphrasia. Historically this plant was used to treat eye infections hence the name, it is also semi-parasitic to some grasses and plants. (See more at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euphrasia).
Eyebright, photograph by Simon Grey
Taking a walk through the reserve, you don't have to look hard to see that there is fungus springing up all over the place. I am definatley looking forward to the next event we have coming up on the 28th September, as the legendary 'Fungalpunk' Dave will be leading a fun and informative guided walk through the woods on the fascinating fungi found here at Coombes Valley and can hopefully shed some light on what it all is.
Be sure to come and visit us and watch how this magical place transforms through the seasons.
Thats about all for now. Don't forget you can keep an eye on our up and coming events on our events tab.