Curbridge Nature Reserve lies one mile south-east of
Botley. It is owned by the National Trust and managed by Hampshire
Wildlife Trust. Curbridge has a long history of woodland management.
The northernmost end, near the Horse and Jockey pub, was once part of
a much larger region called Ham Wood. Bordering the southernmost part
are banks which define an area formerly known as Eyersdown Copse. The
larch trees in this area were planted over 100 years ago as a timber
crop and are now coming to the end of their natural life. The two
woods are linked by thin strips of woodland known as Harmsworth Row.
Improving the access forms a large part of the
management work on the reserve. Work includes the construction of
boardwalks, bridges and steps. This allows people to enjoy the reserve
without detriment to its wildlife. Voluntary wardens help carry out
these management tasks, protect the site and monitor its wildlife. If
you would like to help with this enjoyable work, please contact the
Trust.
Curbridge lies on the upper reaches of the Hamble
estuary. Here, where the Hamble and Cur rivers meet, mudflats
punctuate the river, small areas of reeds and saltmarsh have formed
near the shore and ancient woodland lines the banks.
The estuary provides Curbridge with an abundance of
river and shore life. This area is the most fragile part of the
reserve. The action of tides and river flow contribute to this
constant change. Mudflat, saltmarsh, woodland - each habitat
illustrates the transitional nature of the reserve.
This wooded estuary is a delightful reminder of what
rivers in southern England must have looked like hundreds of years
ago.
Woodland areas, like those found at Curbridge, were
valued for their timber and, until the early 1900s, were traditionally
managed. Coppicing was employed to stimulate vigorous growth. This
wood was used for a variety of purposes including fuel, thatching and
hedge laying. Beneath coppiced trees distinctive plant communities
often grew. At Curbridge, Wood Anemones and Bluebells carpet the
woodland floor in spring. Later, Solomon's-seal and Pignut become
evident.
The decline in traditional woodland management
mirrored the decrease in demand for wood. As coppicing and felling
died out, the character of woodlands changed. The area referred to as
Harmsworth Row still contains old coppice stools as evidence of this
past. The woodland is rich in variety: Hazel coppice, large Oaks,
planted Larch, Wych Elm and Wild Cherry grow here, with Willow and
Alder in wetter areas. Wild Service-tree, growing alongside other
indicator species, suggest that Curbridge's ancient woodland has
remained relatively undisturbed.
Woodpeckers, with their striking coloration, can be
heard 'drumming' in the spring as they mark out their territories. As
with many other woodland birds, insects form an important part of
their diet. Beetle larvae, feeding in dead wood, provide a valuable
food source. The reserve also supports uncommon insect species
including the aptly named Conehead crickets.
The reedbeds are home to Reed Buntings year-round
and to Sedge Warblers in summer; Greenshank, Common Sandpiper and
other overwintering waders such as Redshank and Curlew are seen
feeding on the mudflats. Ragworms and other invertebrates provide a
rich food source. Sea-lavender and Sea Aster are typical plants of the
saltmarsh. In late summer their flowers produce patches of pale
purple.
