Saltburn Valley Gardens Woodland Centre
The Woodland Centre can be found at the end of the Valley Gardens and acts as a link through to Rifts Wood. The ranger, responsible for the Valley, is based at the Woodland Centre in which the story of the valley is told through leaflets, displays, events and school visits. There are many circular walks leaflets available from the centre through the valley, coast and through Saltburn Gill, a Local Nature Reserve which is managed by Tees Valley Wildlife Trust. The centre can also act as an information gateway to the wider countryside.
Valley Views
October brings a change in the air. Misty mornings and darker evenings may be upon us, but don't be downhearted as our wildlife is as busy as ever. A brisk stroll in the woods can be a perfect antidote to autumn blues.
Th autumn countryside produces a final flush of fruits and fungi and a bounty of nuts and seeds appears in the hedgerows and the woods. The term 'nut' applies to the many hard cased seeds produced by many of our trees. The casing not only protects the kernel from damage, but also from the creatures that find them a rich food source. The nuts, or mast, of the beech are small in comparison to the size of the tree that produces them. They are a favourite winter food of small birds, such as bramblings and chaffinches.
Visitors to Rifts Wood over the past few weeks may have noticed the many different types of fungi sprouting up. It does seem to have been a particularly good year as there have been spells of humid damp air.
There have been brilliant examples of oyster mushrooms which are an edible fungus. They take their form in large brackets on the trunks of dead or ailing trees and often grow in tiers. School children have been fascinated to see 'real mushrooms' growing on trees that their mums can buy in Sainsbury's! Before you all rush out and start eating mushrooms from Rifts Wood, please double check what you are picking. I am not a fungi expert and would have to be certain of the species before I start with the frying pan.
For many British animals, it is time to seek out safe refuges or feeding grounds for the forthcoming rigours of winter.
During the summer and early autumn, robins are generally unobtrusive. This is partly because feeding is relatively easy at this time and birds that already occupy a territory are rarely challenged for ownership by other adults. As Autumn progresses, however, young from this years broods will be looking for territories of their own. Matters are complicated further by the dispersal of birds from chillier northern areas of Britain and Scotland.
As a result, the 'tik tik' alarm calls of the robin become more noticeable in October. You will also hear them in full song at this time, as they go to great lengths to advertise their territory. You may even see the occasional skirmish between individuals. Unlike many other small songbirds, male robins will guard their territory throughout the year. Elaborate displays that emphasise their red breast act as a warning to deter intruders trespassing on their patch. It is essential to guard the rights to areas that provide good feeding and roosting potential as these may be vital in seeing them through the winter.
There have been many sightings of the dippers in Fairy Glen, near to the Woodland Centre. A chubby, short tailed blackish bird with a white breast, it is seldom seen far from water, preferring to be near fast moving streams. Skelton beck is the ideal place for them. They will swim and dive, wade, walk and perch openly, taking off from the water or the ground. Their distinctive 'bobbing' up and down to disguise their shape from their prey is unmistakable and a joy to see.
The Woodland Centre also has an active 'Friends of the Valley' group; members are involved in many aspects of the centre including fundraising, running events such as the 'Pageant of Light', and many other activities. If you would like more information about the group please feel free to call us for more information.
Keith Ferry
Countryside Officer, Woodland Centre
Practical day tasks for anyone wishing to volunteer continue every Friday from 10.00am until 3.00pm - anyone wishing for more information should contact the Woodland Centre on 01287 622408
Site Location:
Saltburn Valley Woodland Centre, Valley Gardens, Saltburn-by-the-Sea, TS12 1GG
NZ 666208. Access is off the A174 in Saltburn. Pedestrian access from Glenside and Albion Terrace.
Postal Address:
C/o Saltburn T.I.C., c/o Saltburn Library, Windsor Road, TS12 1JW
Opening times:
Sunday - Friday 9am - 4pm, closed Saturdays. The centre may be closed if the ranger is working out on site, telephone for more details. Out of hours visits, including Saturdays, can be arranged.
Parking:
There is limited disabled parking available near to the Woodland Centre, please ring prior to using this parking facility. Public parking is available at Cat Nab car park at the sea front. Saltburn is connected to most local towns through the bus and train network. Please telephone 0870 6082608 for more public transport information.
Path surfaces and gradients:
Rifts Wood: the path surface is compacted earth and stone and is rough, wet and uneven in places. Gradients are steep. There are steps but these can be avoided.
Valley Gardens: most paths are surfaced with tarmac and although gradients vary there are some near level routes. Occasionally paths can flood.
Miniature Railway
please telephone 07813153975 for details or visit the website.
Things to do:
- An events programme aimed at all ages is run throughout the year. View events list.
- The Centre has an excellent bird viewing area and a sheltered seating area should the weather deteriorate.
- The Centre has both permanent and changing display panels, including a display telling the history of the valley.
- Environmental Education service, talks and slide shows, for schools and groups (please telephone for further details).
- There is a permanent orienteering course in the Valley Gardens.
- There is a leaflet available looking at Marske Mill, the ruins of which can be found on site near the viaduct.
- The Woodland centre runs a Nature Club for 8-12 year olds. Please phone for more details.
