A walk through part of the Stour Valley Local Nature Reserve
What to look for ...
This area supports a rich and varied flora and fauna and there is always something of interest to be discovered throughout the seasons.
However, it is during the summer that the river really comes to life, with Reed Warblers chattering constantly amongst the rushes and waterfowl busily feeding young.
Insects are well represented with many colourful species of dragonflies, damselflies and butterflies to be seen. One of the most striking and abundant of these is the Banded Demoiselle, our largest species of damselfly.
The male is metallic blue-green with dark bands on its wings. The female is green, and her bronze-coloured wings lack the distinctive bands of the male. Watch out for the Emperor Dragonfly which is sky blue with black markings. This is Britain's largest dragonfly.
Kingfishers can be seen all year round, often just as a vivid streak of blue flashing by. The patient observer might spot one perched on a riverside willow or other tree, watching for fish. The Kingfisher's high-pitched "chee-kee" call is well worth learning as the bird has a habit of calling when flying above the river. Knowing the call increases considerably the chances of seeing this colourful bird. Coots and Moorhens are common along the river. Identification is easy once the main differences are known. The Moorhen has a red bill, green legs and some white feathers - the Coot is all black with white beak and "bald" patch.
The Route
(See Photo 3, right)
Further Information
| Distance |
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2.5 miles (approx) |
| Allow |
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1.5 hours (approx) |
| Parking |
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Car park at junction of Muscliff Lane & Granby Road |
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Countryside Officers
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Stuart Clarke and Richard Hesketh
The Barn, Stour Acres, off Granby Road, Muscliff
Tel : (01202) 535140 |
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