Autumn is here, time to head for the woods

16 October 2012

Fen Gerry
Media & Communications Officer
E-mail: fen.gerry@rspb.org.uk

As part of it’s 50th Anniversary celebrations, RSPB Coombes Valley nature reserve is inviting people to come and share the wonders of Autumn - from crunchy leaves to funny fungi, there’s so much to see, touch, smell and hear.

Kayleigh Brookes from RSPB Coombes Valley says: “Autumn's a great time to enjoy the outdoors. Head to Coombes Valley to see the leaves changing colour, and when they've fallen to the ground, it's great fun to crunch your way through them, whether you're 8 or 80!.”

It is the time of year to see roaming flocks of small birds and watch animals preparing for the fast-approaching cold weather. Visitors to the reserve can help nature prepare by building their own nestboxes on 27 and 28 October, 24 and 25 November. A £5 donation will help cover the costs of materials.

Autumnal explorers are being called to join scavenger hunts from 27 October to 4 November, for only £2 per child. After which, the Coombes Valley team will test creative skills with an all-senses autumnal creative writing competition. Locally sourced prizes are up for grabs.

On Sunday 28 October at 10.30am, a local expert will be leading a fungai guided walk to discover the spectacular fungi at Coombes Valley. The walk is £5 for adults and £2.50 for children. Pre-booking is essential for this walk.

Kayleigh says: “This is also the time of year to spot weird and wonderful fungi growing in the woods. We have a large variety of species here, such as the fly agaric – the symbol of our 50th anniversary.

“There is a special fly agaric pin badge to commemorate the 50th anniversary of RSPB Coombes Valley available from the reserve Visitor Centre, they are limited edition - so hurry to get yours before it’s too late!”

For more information about the autumnal celebration at RSPB Coombes Valley nature reserve, visit their website at http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/c/coombeschurnet/index.aspx, send an email to coombes.valley@rspb.org.uk or call the reserve on 01538 384017.

Notes

The Moorlands Connect bus is a great way to travel to the reserve from the local area. For more information or to book a journey, call 0300 111 8003. The service operates Mon – Sat from 7am – 6pm, there is no service on a Sunday.

Follow RSPB Coombes Valley! @RSPBCoombes