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

Saturday 24th February 2024

Leaders: Steve Jones, Jo Poland & Kevin Gill
Moving off from the meeting point at the bottom of Cuttings Hill, (SW629422), at 11.00am

Thank you to all of you who came along to our first scrub bash of 2024 at Great Wheal Seton, we had a really successful day and the site is looking in great shape for the year ahead thanks to the efforts of the 15 volunteers who joined in.

Our next session is at Bell Lake Marsh where we will be concentrating on the first part of the marsh, (the eastern end), attempting to remove as much Reedmace as possible, as well as tackling the usual gorse, willow & birch. Detailed directions to the meeting place can be found below.

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

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!