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Photo by terryeyre
Churnet Valley in winter

[edit] Overview

This secluded valley in Staffordshire is narrow and steep-sided with the Coombes Brook winding its way through mature oakwoods and younger, more mixed woodland.

After centuries of exploitation for charcoal and timber the woodlands are now managed to preserve and encourage the native trees by replanting and the clearance of introduced aliens such as rhododendron.

[edit] Birds

[edit] Notable Species

Breeding birds of the valley include typical oakwood birds such as Common Redstart, Wood Warbler and Pied Flycatcher, as well all three British woodpeckers and various tits including Willow Tit, warblers and finches. Tree Pipits occur in the more open areas in summer and Woodcock can be seen in autumn and winter.

Predatory birds include Eurasian Sparrowhawk and Little, Tawny and Long-eared Owls. Common Kingfisher, Grey Wagtail and Common Dipper occur along the stream and Grey Heron is commonly seen. There is a large rookery in the area.

[edit] Check-list

Birds you can see here include:

Grey Heron, Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Eurasian Woodcock, Common Cuckoo, Little Owl, Tawny Owl, Long-eared Owl, Common Kingfisher, Eurasian Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Tree Pipit, Grey Wagtail, Common Wren, White-throated Dipper, Dunnock, European Robin, Common Redstart, Eurasian Blackbird, Fieldfare, Song Thrush, Redwing, Mistle Thrush, Common Whitethroat, Garden Warbler, Blackcap, Wood Warbler, Common Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Goldcrest, Spotted Flycatcher, European Pied Flycatcher, Willow Tit, Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Eurasian Nuthatch, Eurasian Treecreeper, Common Jay, Black-billed Magpie, Rook, Carrion Crow, Common Starling, Chaffinch, European Greenfinch, European Goldfinch, Lesser Redpoll, Yellowhammer barn owl raven

[edit] Other Wildlife

As well as birds the reserve has breeding populations of Common Frog Rana temporaria, Common Toad Bufo bufo and newts, Grass Snake Natrix natrix is common and Common Lizard Lacerta vivipara and Slow Worm Anguis fragilis are found in the drier parts.

Butterflies are both varied and abundant with twenty-four species recorded including Grizzled Skipper Pyrgus malvae, Green Hairstreak Callophrys rubi and High Brown Fritillary Fabriciana adippe commonly seen along the reserve trail. More than 1200 species of beetle have been identified on the reserve.

Similarly, plants are also diverse with the woods brightened by Bluebells Endymion non-scriptus, Primroses Primula vulgaris and Red Campion Silene dioica and the more open areas have Adder's-tongue Fern Ophioglossum vulgatum and Lousewort Pedicularis sylvatica. Orchids include Greater Butterfly Platanthera chlorantha and Common Spotted Dactylorhiza fuchsii.

[edit] Site Information

[edit] History and Use

To do

[edit] Areas of Interest

To do

[edit] Access and Facilities

The reserve lies to the south of the A523 Leek-Ashbourne road. About 5km south of Leek take the minor road towards Apesford and the reserve is on the left after about 1.5km.

There are two hides and an information centre at the reserve.

Grid reference: SK009534

Open from dawn until dusk and entry is free (but donations gratefully received!)

[edit] Contact Details

RSPB. Tel 01538 384017

[edit] External Links

• RSPB: Coombes and Churnet
• Coombes and Churnet on Streetmap

Content and images originally posted by Steve

[edit] Reviews

Malcolm Fisher's review

A nice reserve in a nice location. Very steep hills however! Pros

• Beautiful location and very quiet. There are long views from the hilltop
• and the centre and carpark are both good and includes a feeding station. Lots of nesting boxes are to be seen
• and there is a very attractive stream at the bottom of the valley.

Cons

• Make sure you do not have any problems with severe slopes. I found it very hard going to get round the reserve. Anyone with asthmna
• arthritis or any condition that might be aggravated by hard walking take note! However
• to a fit person
• it would be ok Im

jinglebird's review

Redstarts, Willow and Wood Warblers, Spotted and Pied flycatchers , Pied and Grey Wagtails and a Dipper made this a lovely day. Pros

• lovely birds