We waved a fond farewell to the fresians today. They have done a sterling job in our meadows, ensuring that they're in good condition for wildflowers, butterflies and other insects. We're sad to see them go - it won't be quite the same without their inquisitive gazes following you as you wander through the top meadow to the valley viewpoint!
We've had some good sightings over the last few days. On Friday, 10 lapwings were spotted by Al, one of our warden interns, flying up the valley. On Saturday we saw siskins and redpoll in the carpark, four garganey, a heron in the brook and a willow tit. And, although they don't roost here, a flock of over 100 starlings was circling around the top fields on Sunday. Al also informed me that on Saturday he had to rescue two rather bedraggled blue tits from the piping into the water butt outside the centre. He was alerted to their plight by a very persistent third blue tit!
Don't forget that next weekend Coombes Valley will be hosting its very own Deadly Scene Investigation. You can come and put your detective skills to the test and work out just who has been eating who! Drop in any time between 10 am and 4 pm on either Saturday 19 or Sunday 20 November to start your investigation.