Coombes Valley is a wonderful woodland reserve There are ancient oaks, swathes of Bluebells in May and many other early flowering species. It is situated in a deep valley so some trails are steep or they have steps but they are generally good. Most are stony underfoot and could be slippery in wet weather. There is one stile at the north end of the Valley Woodland Trail shortcut and an exciting canopy walk on a rope bridge for the intrepid!
In spring and early summer, migrating birds come to breed and are often seen on the Valley Woodland Trail – an easy one hour trail with picnic spots at places where you could see bird migrants nesting and grey wagtails on the stream. There are plenty of chiff-chaffs and willow warblers as well as all the usual woodland birds. Lots of nesting boxes have been erected to attract Pied Flycatchers and Redstarts and a few of them have arrived already (early April) and can easily be seen in the area below the Clough Meadow Cottage.
This is a simple reserve. There is a small information centre next to the Accessible Toilets. There is no Shop or Café but you can purchase ice cream and cold drinks at the information Centre. There are plenty of wildlife benches often facing good views but no hides or much shelter in inclement weather. In a couple of places there is sufficient seating for small groups but mainly the seats are widely dispersed around the reserve.
Please note that this is a car trip rather than a coach trip because this reserve no longer has access for coaches.
RSPB Coombes Valley, Six Oaks Farm, Leek ST13 7EU
What3Words tumblers.exposing.gearing
Grid reference SK00915340
The Nature Reserve and Car Park are open from 9am until dusk. The toilets until 8pm.
The Car Park is FREE to RSPB members – display your Membership card on the dash.
Non Members pay £4 per car – Pay by Phone or in Visitor Centre when staffed.
We intend to leave from Manchester Road at 9.00am and should be at the Reserve at approximately 10.30am
Please let us know via the rfnspublicity@gmail.com or the WhatsApp group if:
1. You can offer a lift (and say how many places you can offer)
2. You need a lift
3. You are going directly to Coombes Valley.
If you can tell us before Sunday 4th May we will try to match those who need a lift with those offered and let you all know.