History

Back in the 1980’s, a group of inspirational and dedicated village residents set about the process of establishing the Clara Vale Conservation Group in order to turn the derelict site of the Clara Vale Pit into a Local Nature Reserve. These days, it’s hard to imagine that the reserve has not always been there. Over the years, the site has been developed, pathways improved, bird hides built, trees coppiced, wild flower meadows established and maintained, nest boxes installed, ponds cleared and bridges built. All of this has been achieved by the conservation group volunteers. Those with knowledge and skills in conservation management have shared their knowledge with those with less, or no experience, but keen to learn and get involved.

This has led to the Reserve we have today and the Community Orchard which the Group created in 2000. These are assets to our village and a tribute to all those who have contributed to their development, and to the miners who worked the pit, without whom the village would not exist.

The Reserve

Hard to believe, but spring is on its way. In the Nature reserve snowdrops and hazel catkins are the early signs. Yellow celandines, coltsfoot and primroses will be showing soon. The many different plants growing in the Reserve (around 200). provide homes and food for the many different insects, spiders and other invertebrates which in turn provide food for birds and other animals. Our work in the Reserve is aimed at maintaining and, where possible, improving this biodiversity.

Birdsong has picked up and the thrice-repeating calls of song thrushes are loud and clear. Walk around the Reserve and you’ll hear yellowhammers calling for “a little bit of bread and no cheese” and the great tits “squeaky gate” song. By the end of March the first long distance travellers, chiffchaffs, will have arrived. You’ll hear it “chiff-chaff-ing” from the tops of trees. Willow warblers arrive from from Ghana and the Ivory Coast around mid April. They look like to chiffchaffs but their song is very different, described as being “ a descending call, as soft as summer rain”. Overhead, look out for sand martins and, a bit later, swallows.

Besides birds, look out for roe deer which are often seen in the reserve. Foxes and badgers are present but very wary. Badgers let you know they’re around by their diggings besides the paths. Stoats, weasels and rabbits, field voles and woodmice also live in the reserve. It’s for these animals, and to protect ground-nesting birds, why we ask dog owners to keep their dogs on leads.

People have been asking “Where are the ponies?” Unfortunately we have not been able to have the Exmoor ponies to help us with the mowing this winter.But we have managed to scythe or strim most of the Reserve ready for the spring. We’re hoping the ponies will be with us next winter.

The hides.

The two hides look out on to woodland, ponds and feeding stations. We feed the birds between October and May. Yellowhammers, woodpeckers, reed buntings and nuthatches are among the birds coming to the feeders. On the pond there are kingfishers, mallard, moorhens and lately a little egret has discovered the pond’s sticklebacks. (Little egrets were very rare in the north east until this century.) You will need a key to access the hides. It costs £5 and gives access to all the hides in Gateshead. Contact Gordon (07946302571)or buy a key at the Thornley Woodland Centre.

The Alex West Hide has been leaking for some time. We have now raised the money to replace it thanks to some generous donations. Thanks to evebody who donated. The work should be completed soon. We first need to make safe a nearby ash tree which unfortunately has ash die-back.

Bird ringing.

The Northumbria Ringing Group visits regularly to catch and ring birds. Their next visits, so long as it’s not raining or windy, are between 8.30 -11am on Saturday March 1^st and Saturday, April 5^th. It’s a rare opportunity to see birds in the hand and find out about why birds are ringed. Well worth a visit.

Children’s Nature Club

Clara Vale Nature Club has been running since May 2022 and meets once a month on Saturday mornings in the nature reserve or the community orchard. All village children between 4-11 are warmly welcomed. Parents and carers stay and join in with the activities alongside their children.

The sessions vary according to the seasons and weather. We start by sharing nature news and talking about what we can see and hear around us. Then we go off on a nature trail or pond dipping or investigating bugs. When we get back together, we discuss our findings and then we have a creative activity using natural materials. We’ve enjoyed weaving, water-colour painting, clay models and much more. If it rains, we go to the woods and build dens. We always end with a story or poem.

Children are very engaged in the sessions. Away from screens and other distractions they focus intensely on nature whether it’s a simple wild flower or a scuttling beetle. Every child has a nature journal to make notes and drawings of what they have observed. They have all become more aware of the seasons and of life cycles and are always eager to learn more. Each time we meet we talk about taking care of the plant and animal life in the nature reserve. This connection with nature from an early age will stay with children as they grow up. They are set to become the conservationists of the future.

If you have wondered about coming along with your child and want to know more, please get in touch with Rose on 07934869548.

The Community Orchard

Pruning Day this year will be on Saturday, March 8^th. Meet in the orchard at 10 am. If you’ve never pruned an apple tree, don’t worry, we’ll show you how. We will also be clearing vegetation from around the bases of the trees where it has become overgrown.

We need your help!

The Conservation Group needs volunteers to get involved and continue the maintenance of the reserve to ensure it’s survival and development in the years to come. There are a variety of tasks throughout the year. So, if you like being out of doors, and would enjoy a workout without the gym fees then do get in touch.( Don….. Gordon 07946302571). The next task in the Reserve is on Sunday, 16^th March at 10-12. Or come to one of our regular committee meetings which are held in the Village Hall on the second Monday of the month at 8pm. 

We depend on donations to pay for the bird food, replacing tools and equipment and repairs.

If you would like to donate to help us look after the Reserve, our bank details are:

Lloyds Bank. Sort code30-19-54 a/c No. 01477367 Thank you.