Rate birdingplace Coombe Hill Nature Reserve
Description
One of the best spots in Gloucestershire to see dragonflies and damselflies and to watch birds, with the Grundon hide overlooking the main wetland area. This nature reserve is an important haven for wildlife, it also acts a floodplain. The woodlands and grasslands here have adapted to being completely submerged by water in winter months, capturing water that would otherwise flood out other areas, while also trapping sediment and storing carbon.
It is a special site for wetland birds, particularly waders and migrating waterfowl, but also watch out for birds of prey, including Poljska eja, Sivi soko and Jastreb. Barska šljuka, Crvenonogi sprudnik, Ostrigar, Sabljarka, Vivak and Velika carska šljuka are just a few of the many birds sighted here. The reserve is also good for ground-nesting birds, which are easily disturbed by dogs and people, for this reason dogs should be kept on a lead at all times and visitors are asked to stick to paths and waymarked trails.
Details
Access
The towpath is level and offers good views but it can become rutted and very muddy after wet weather. There are no kissing gates from the towpath along the canal, but kissing gates are at the entrance to other parts of the reserve. There are several bridleways, all of which are popular with horse riders. There are several waymarked walk options available for visitors at Coombe Hill, although the paths can be very muddy and not suitable for wheelchair or pushchairs.
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The access path becomes extremely muddy and slippery after winter floods.