A day of Practical Conservation Work at Bell Lake Marsh, part of the Red River Local Nature Reserve near Camborne

Saturday 22nd February 2025

Leader: Steve Jones
Moving off from the meeting point at the bottom of Cuttings Hill, (SW629422), at 11.00am

Thank to everyone who came along to our well attended scrub bashing session at Great Wheal Seton, thanks to your efforts the habitat is looking in excellent condition for the year ahead. Sadly the same cannot be said for the land immediately the other side of the river where the proposed Tolvaddon Development rumbles on. If you didn’t manage to get along to the January scrub bash you can watch a short film about the issues facing Great Wheal Seton by using the link below.

Our next session will be back at Bell Lake Marsh where there is still a lot of work to do! As always there is plenty of willow, birch, gorse & reedmace regrowth to tackle so don’t be shy with those loppers and bow saws.

Remember to wear old clothes, it’s a messy job if you get carried a way and sparks from Gary’s bonfire will damage clothing if you get too close!!! Wellies are a must and don’t forget to bring a packed lunch. We will provide tools along with gloves and protective eyewear, however you are more than welcome to bring your own kit if you feel happier using that. For health & safety purposes we will be taking down contact details for all those attending.

You can see photos & read about the ongoing work at our Red River Valley sites, along with the species involved on the Red River Rescuers Facebook page here:  http://www.facebook.com/groups/redriverrescuers/     Why not register and get regular updates. Don’t worry if you’re not on Facebook, we have our own website where you can also read all about our activities here:    www.redriverrescuers.weebly.com

Here is the link to the short film, “Great Wheal Seton, Wildlife Habitat on the Edge”:

https://youtu.be/DvnDEmYpNtI?si=lyEkj858jL53CTIp

Directions to Bell Lake Marsh: Leave the A30 dual carriageway at the Camborne West exit (Treswithian). 

If you are travelling in a westerly direction turn left at the end of the slip road and go all the way around the roundabout and back along the same road to cross over the A30 before turning left on to a minor road heading for Reskadinnick. After a quarter of a mile you will pass Camborne/Treswithian Downs Crematorium on your right and shortly after that you should turn right (which in effect is straight on) heading for Bell Lake/Coombe, (do not take the turning for Reskadinnick). Follow this road for half a mile, it will then drop down a steep hill, park at the bottom along the entrance to the track on the right or just after the river bridge.

If you are travelling in an easterly direction turn left at the end of the slip road & immediately left again on to a minor road heading for Reskadinnick. After a quarter of a mile you will pass Camborne/Treswithian Downs Crematorium on your right and shortly after that you should turn right (which in effect is straight on) heading for Bell Lake/Coombe, (do not take the turning for Reskadinnick). Follow this road for half a mile, it will then drop down a steep hill, park at the bottom along the entrance to the track on the right or just after the river bridge.
Please park sensibly and do not obstruct vehicular access along the track.

Bell Lake Marsh is one of the best remaining dragonfly sites along the Red River Valley, supporting breeding colonies of the nationally scarce Small Red Damselfly & Keeled Skimmer. In the last 10 years it has lost it’s colony of the Scarce Blue-tailed Damselfly & during the last 30 years it has lost a Marsh Fritillary colony. Our aim is to reverse the decline of this important wetland habitat by removing invasive willow, gorse, birch saplings & lesser reedmace, opening up the site with a series of work parties over the autumn & winter. Please come along and lend a hand with this very worthwhile task, it will keep you fit while you have fun & enjoy a bit of constructive destruction!