I headed out to explore our snowy reserve on Friday (25th), a cold, crisp day. The cloud levels were gradually increasing, forewarning of the heavy snowfall that was forecast through the afternoon and evening. I was alone, it was blissfully quiet and I was able just to spend my time exploring with a fresh perspective and all of my senses.
Immediately a thought sprang to mind. "Can there be anyone out there who doesn't enjoy a walk in snow?" . There's just something about it that's incredibly satisfying. The sound it makes underfoot is one that evokes memories of childhood snowball fights, sledging and building snowmen. That sound is always described as a crunch, but I'm not sure about that. I've come up with a new way of describing it, 'a dry squelch'! By the time you read this the snow may be melting, but if you've still got some, go out and try it and let me know what you think!
I wandered through trees noticing how much they stand out when contrasted against that white backdrop. I followed the trail extension that isn't yet open to the public and here the footprints of my colleagues from previous days started to decrease in frequency. Accompanying me were gentle whispers as small amounts of snow slid from branches and onto the soft cushion beneath.
Soon there were no more human footsteps in the snow, only mammal tracks; some following the path, others crossing it. I could identify deer, fox, pheasant and trails of small mammals where they've darted out from the safety of their tunnels to look for food.
The constant sound of Coombes Brook flowing far below was soothing and it grew steadily as I now descended downhill towards it. On reaching it, I was fascinated to see how many mammal tracks there were nearby. The fresh, flowing water is an important sustainer of life and a crucial part of our woodland ecosystem.
I stayed here a while and created a ledge made of snow to rest my camera. I captured the following shot as the water tumbled over rocks carpeted with both moss and snow. This area of the reserve is a lovely spot and I know many visitors will enjoy it in years to come once the extended trail is open. I could stay here and listen to the flow of the brook for hours.
As I climbed up the other side of the valley the creak of a bough echoed loudly through the solitude, straining with the weight of snow upon it. I wondered whether the coming snowfall would have it snap and fall to the floor or see it flex back flinging a shower of powder all around.
Sounds of birds out foraging both high and low caught my attention. The rustle of a blackbird in leaf litter and the screech of a jay crossing the woodland sky above me.
Clough Meadow Cottage looked picturesque wearing its winter robes and the meadow beyond it was heavy going, the snowfall here having been very heavy.
On my climb back to the visitor centre and a welcome, warming drink I listened intently to more water flowing. This time it was the gentle trickle of snow melting and starting its gravity drawn course to perhaps eventually join the brook and flow ever onwards.
It's with regret that we've had to close the reserve since the heavy snow fell, as it's given the valley a really different look. Hopefully future episodes of snow won't be as severe and you can all come and enjoy the experience I've described for yourself.