What is coomb?

Coombe, sometimes spelled Coomb, is a term used in geography to describe a steep-sided valley or hollow, often formed by a stream or river eroding the surrounding land. Coombes are commonly found in hilly or mountainous regions, and can range from small gullies to large, deep valleys. The term is particularly common in England, where it is used to describe a variety of landforms. The word "coomb" comes from the Old English word "cumb," which means valley or hollow. Coombes are ecologically important as they often provide habitats for a range of specialized plant and animal species.