Daily Exercise and Filsham Reedbed

My daily  exercise this morning had me walking in a different direction, again with an early start, consequently, I saw very few other people, particularly on the way out, and the early part of my return journey. As for all days these days, maintaining at least 2 metres distance was essential and, yet again, it was very rare that anyone else got within 5 metres of me, as I zigzagged along the less quiet later segment of the route. Anyway, I walked westwards this morning to Combe Valley Countryside Park, reaching the edge by the seashore at Bulverhythe.

Then I cut inland, crossing the footbridge over the railway tracks, and then crossing the A259, and walked up to Combe Haven. I saw one young woman walking her 2 dogs, but we maintained over 10 metres between us, and with no social discourse, not me being unfriendly I can guarantee, honest guv! Anyway, I coped with being ignored from 10 metres away and turned north up on the west side of the Combe Haven river...

About 600 metres on I crossed the small bridge to reach the entrance to the Sussex Wildlife Trust's Filsham Reedbed Nature Reserve. Being a member of the trust, and a regular visitor to this wonderful reserve, which is one of the largest reedbeds in Sussex, I have written about the reserve quite frequently, for example when I wrote a blog last month about World Wetlands Day 2020.

The image above is a rarely seen view of an area of wetland in the reserve, indeed, I cannot remember ever seeing this! Why? Because the reeds are usually very tall here and obstruct the view. However, the trust appears to have cut back the reeds in recent maintenance, so there you are (a rarely seen view for you!).

Finally, I reached my turning point for the walk, the 'hide' in the reserve, at the end of a very easy to manage raised wooden walkway (keeps your feet dry too). Gorgeous and peaceful, indeed, perfect tranquility. On this visit I didn't actually see any rare birds (though I did see a pheasant fly across the river on my way back!), but the reserve is an important stopover for migrating birds, reed warblers, bearded tits and water rail are among the birds that breed here, and specialist insects and plants thrive here.

For information about the Sussex Wildlife Trust, or how to join, go to their website, or go to The Wildlife Trusts website.

Remember, at least 2 metres apart, and be respectful!

PS. I only saw 2 people I know today, on my way back to the town centre, and I spoke to them both from about 5 metres.