My task over the past few weeks, along with the support of our long-term day volunteers, has been to find and map the nest boxes around the reserve. An easy task you may think, but with over 200 nest boxes dotted around the woodland it has involved many hours of searching. The day volunteers have been doing this particular task for several years so have a fairly good idea of exactly where all the boxes are. This week however, while they were tied up with other jobs, I found myself out in the woodland with just a basic map and my own sharp eyes to guide me.
This was a great excuse for my childish imagination to run wild and my search for nest boxes started to feel like a quest for treasure (be it the slightly disappointing treasure of a bird box full of fleas). Making a game out of this task got me thinking about how you can make the simplest things fun and then about how many fun things the reserve at Coombes has to offer for kids (and big kids like me!)
In place of recent sightings this week I thought it would be nice to share some of the top things to see and do at the reserve over the holidays for children and adults.
Come and find some weird and wonderful fungi
Image by Rachel Coyle
Fungi are still springing up all over the place at the reserve. I came across this strange looking candle snuff fungi yesterday along the main trail. This species is aptly named due to its resemblance to the charred wick of a candle. Many of the common fungi species are named after things that they resemble. While you’re out on the reserve have a look at some of the log piles that we’ve left along the trails (fungi particularly likes deadwood to grow on) and see if you can guess what the fungi might be called from they way it looks.
Our babbling brook
The brook that runs all the way through the reserve is a great place to explore and play. Stand on the bridge and watch the water rush below you. There are plenty of natural objects to collect on our woodland trails. Find some nice stones to plop in the water or have a game of pooh sticks. Keep an eye out for a white-clawed crayfish lurking in the shallows.
Observe a spectacular sunrise or sunset
Image by Becky Austin
The skies have been exhibiting an amazing array of colours at dawn and dusk over the past couple of weeks. With its high vantage point at the top of the valley, the viewing platform outside the visitor centre makes the perfect place to witness fantastic skies like the one pictured here.
Make muddy footprints
Image by Rahul Thanki
The wet weather recently has made some great muddy spots along the valley trails. This is ideal for making big muddy footprints while out on a walk. Why not don your wellies and have a good squelch around in the mud while you explore the reserve. Have a look to see if any other creatures have left their footprints behind too.HH
Birds can be heard all over the reserve
Image by Ben Hall
The woodland is still alive with birds at the moment. Find a quiet spot in the heart of the woodland and count how many different calls you can hear. Listen out for the steady ‘drip drip drip’ of a nuthatch or the twittering giggle of long tailed tit flocks.
Escape into the young woodland plantation and build a secret den
Along the young woodland trail, you can venture off the beaten track into the shelter of the plantation. Come and play in the existing dens in this part of the woodland or create one of your own with materials you find on the forest floor. Why not have a game of hide and seek? There are plenty of great hiding places (as tried and tested by fellow warden intern Becky and myself).
Startle wood pigeons
Image by Chris Gomersall
On a walk around Coombes, it is difficult not to startle the wood pigeons. We have been seeing some amazingly large flocks all over the reserve over the past few months as they have congregated here to make they most of the food the woodland has to offer. Listen out for a loud clatter of wings as they take off from the trees as you approach.
The Christmas holidays are a great time to get out and experience nature. Come along to Coombes and see what you can discover in the magical woodland valley.