Ouse Valley Viaduct and Ardingly Reservoir

Yesterday we went for a circular walk from Balcombe Station, taking in some glorious Sussex landscape and the imposing Ouse Valley Viaduct. The weather was perfect: pleasantly breezy but warm–hot–in the sun; the leafy shade from numerous trees along the route kept us cool enough.

The walk was mainly along farm tracks, quiet country roads, footpaths and bridleways, and we stopped frequently to water the dogs and fuel ourselves on delicious picnic food. I took Birds of the South Downs, Pond & River Birds, and Forest & Farmland birdwatching logbooks.

The first view of the viaduct was tantalising, and we decided to stop for lunch in the shade of a tree, sitting amongst the buttercups looking up at the massive brick structure, watching the trains we have frequently taken cross high up overhead.

We then made our way towards Ardingly reservoir, navigating a charity run/bike ride on the way (fun with 4 dogs!) and stopping in the shade for tea, and to watch the dancing mayflies over the Ouse. We then reached the waterside of the reservoir – it’s the most beautiful lake.

We didn’t spot many birds, and there were virtually no insects, other than the mayflies. We saw a couple of cabbage white butterflies but given the hedgerows were laden with cow parsley and buttercups, it was strangely and worryingly quiet.

Here is a list:

• Skylark
• Carrion Crow
• Pheasant
• Reed Bunting
• Grey Partridge
• Blackbird
• Robin
• Buzzard
• House Sparrow
• Magpie
• Jay
• Coot
• Great Crested Grebe
• Mallard
• Heron
• Barn Swallow
• House Martin
• Mandarin Duck

I wanted to record such a wonderful day in my sketchbook. I used gouache and coloured pencils: