GOOD weather, especially at this time of the year, always seems to bring out the best in a nature reserve.

There may not be the spectacular blasts of colour we will see when the majority of springtime flowers come in to bloom a little later this month, or the fascinating and beautiful hubble-bubble of the butterflies and dragonflies we will encounter in a couple of months' time, but there seems to be an almost magical atmosphere.

The reserves feel as if they were coiled springs just about to burst forth into life.

This was certainly the feeling I had on a trip across Spennells Valley Nature Reserve, Kidderminster.

Starting from the small sports field car park off Heronswood Road, I descended a few steps and started across the small rickety bridge which leads into the woods.

I had to stop half-way on the bridge, to just stand and stare at the light dancing on the surface of the small babbling brook it crossed, and to listen to the relaxing sound of the water.

To me this sound is one of nature's most calming and always seems to wash away the day's troubles.

After dragging myself away from this brook, the path led into a mature open woodland, the floor of which was covered in a dense lush green carpet of bluebells waiting to flower.

As you walk through this wood you are accompanied by the Hoo Brook. The waters of the Hoo vary as you travel its length.

In places, the water seems alive and vibrant as it turbulently rushes across a pebble bank, while in other places it appears still and tranquil reflecting the still, leafless tress which tower above it.

My route then took me over the Hoo Brook and down a path which followed the river upstream.

This side of the river is very different in character. On the other side, the trees tower from raised bluebell-covered banks but this side is flat and is the typical wetland environment of a river flood plain.

The majority of trees here are willows and alders, most of which are standing in dark, still, marsh water which, as I looked at it, was showing a mixture of reflections and shadows cast by the newly emerging marsh vegetation.

Here and there the scene was brightened by the first few flowers of the marsh marigolds, their brilliant yellow contrasting beautifully with the vibrant greens of the rest of the spring growth.

The path then crossed another small stream as it emptied its waters into the Hoo and then out of the woods and along a board walk on the edge of a marshland meadow.

At this time there were few flowers here, but I could see the fresh greens of the marshland sedges and rushes starting to appear and give this area a feeling of promised beauty.

Despite being only half an hour in length and at any one point being less than 100 metres from human habitation, this little stroll filled me with a springtime feeling and once again time to marvel at the splendour of nature.