News

Winter Visitors

30 November 2017

The Combe Valley plays host to a number of over-wintering birds each year and some of these are beginning to appear now. These are birds that usually live further north but as the weather gets colder they migrate south and look for suitable habitats to spend the winter months. We are fortunate in that the valley has several habitats that are suitable for different species; reedbeds, woodland, lakes and flood meadows.

The photograph shows Grey Lag Geese landing on the flood attenuation lake in the Crowhurst arm of the park. More than 70 flew in a couple of weeks ago and seem to have settled in the valley for the winter. When we’ve had more rain they will move onto the flood meadows which are a bit dry for them at the moment. Several species of duck will visit the pools during the winter; we have already seen Wigeon and Shovelers.

Several flocks of Fieldfare have been seen in the valley this week, both in the trees bordering the flood meadows and along the old railway track. The less common Redwing can often be found with Fieldfare so may be seen soon. Both are relatives of our resident thrushes.

Footpaths - 1 January

The valley is still flooded and all paths across the lower part of the valley are impassable, as is most of the path along the river.

Report overgrown rights of way to East Sussex and other paths to the Friends of Combe Valley.

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New on this website

August 2023 - a set of new pages describing some of the more common flowering plants has been added to the "Wildlife" section of the site.