Print pageSeasonal highlights
Each season brings a different experience at our nature reserves. In spring, the air is filled with birdsong as they compete to establish territories and attract a mate. In summer, look out for young birds making their first venture into the outside world. Autumn brings large movements of migrating birds - some heading south to a warmer climate, others seeking refuge in the UK from the cold Arctic winter. In winter, look out for large flocks of birds gathering to feed, or flying at dusk to form large roosts to keep warm.
Spring
The place is alive with woodland bird song. From blackbirds to wrens, the dawn chorus is something special. Also, it's a great time to hear great spotted woodpeckers drumming throughout the woodland. Woodcocks can be seen and heard as the males display ('roding') just before dark. The best place to see this is Clough Meadow.
Our star summer migrants, the pied flycatcher and redstart, can be seen well in early May. A redstart pair usually nests in the wall of the cottage in Clough Meadow and pied flycatchers are frequently seen from the pond seating area. Both though occur throughout the woodland.
Summer
Early on, Coombes is still alive with bird song, with pied flycatchers and redstarts still visible. The tree pipit is another summer visitor that can still be heard singing in Clough Meadow in June. Meanwhile, in other clearings you might be lucky to see a spotted flycatcher.
Wood warblers are still present in the mature woodland with little shrub layer. In the hedges near the car park, you may hear and see whitethroats and lesser whitethroats. In July, the song dies away and many of these birds become more difficult to locate.
Autumn
The winter thrushes i.e. fieldfares and redwings appear in numbers in October. Siskins and lesser redpolls appear particularly in the areas with alder trees. Down by the brook, if you're patient, dippers and grey wagtails may be seen.
Meanwhile, many of the resident woodland birds, including treecreepers, goldcrests and the tits, gather in flocks. Some parts of the woodland can seem quiet and birdless. A keen ear is always important at Coombes Valley, but at this time of year it is more important. It is a time to appreciate the colours, the fungi and trees in winter.
Winter
A good time to watch for displaying raptors such as buzzards and sparrowhawks. Perhaps a look out across the valley from the car park or from Clough Meadow would be good for this. The feeding station at the car park can be a good place to see things like great spotted woodpeckers at close quarters - perhaps a brambling if you're lucky.
Early songsters like mistle and song thrushes will be bringing the woodland back to life on warmer, sunnier days. The valley is well worth a visit after snowfall - when it can look extremely beautiful.