Blackwater Valley Tour with The Farnborough Society

Friday 14th August

On August 4th, eighteen of us gathered at the Field Centre in Rowhill Nature Reserve for a packed morning devoted to the Blackwater Valley. Kathy Spinks, who has worked at Rowhill for some thirty years, began by giving a talk about the history, geology and ecology of the reserve, a valuable haven for wildlife that is hemmed in on all sides by development. She explained the importance of Rowhill as the source of the River Blackwater and for its diverse range of habitats. Kathy answered questions afterwards, showing great sensitivity and kindness to our youngest guest, six-year-old Hugo, evidence of her vast experience of showing Rowhill to children.

Kathy handed over to Christine Reeves, who told us about the work of the Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership. Christine showed photos of mineral extraction, the building of the A331, the re-routing of the River Blackwater and the construction of the 23-mile path that extends the length of the valley that dramatically illustrated how an ugly, utilitarian site has been transformed into a beautiful leisure facility as well as a preserved during the upheaval.

After refreshments, we set of with Kathy to explore Rowhill. She took us to the source of the Blackwater, a small boggy area rich in butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies. Then we went on to an area where the invading rhododendrons have been cut down and logs strategically arranged to encourage stag beetles. Along the way, she pointed out various fungi, showed us coppicing, and talked about the problem of exotic garden species being dumped by local residents and out-competing indigenous species.  We arrived eventually at a meadow that was formerly a gravel pit. One third is kept short for the use of locals, while the remaining two-thirds is managed to encourage wild flowers and thus insects.

Returning to the Field Centre, we then drove to Hawley Meadows where another guide, from the Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership, was waiting to show us a very different section of the Blackwater River, set between the Reading-Gatwick railway line and the busy A331. Meandering through meadow where cattle graze, and lined with reads, willow and blackberries, the river splits in two and we have the beginning of Cove Brook. Our guide showed us a structure that they hope will encourage otters to nest. A dead otter on the railway line proved that one, at least, has been in the area. She also explained the work that the Partnership has carried out to improve the river, for both humans and wildlife. Few of us had known of Hawley Meadows before our visit, though most had driven by countless times, so it was a wonderful surprise to discover this hidden treasure.

We are extremely grateful to both the Rowhill Nature Reserve and the Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership for giving us such an interesting morning, and hope to arrange similar events in the future.