birding...

Bockhill

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Between Deal and Dover this site and it's Bockhill Bird Group stalwarts have enjoyed numerous sought-after species that include most memorably in 1998, a Red-flanked Bluetail and a Nutcracker. Pallas's and Radde's Warbler, Booted Eagle, Corncrake and Red-breasted Flycatcher are amongst the diverse species recorded here, whilst as a sea watching spot good numbers of divers, skuas, terns, auks, etc are seen from the beach, indeed as recently as the 9th of November 2001, 6 Little Auk's were seen offshore. Autumn 2001 passerines seen include Yellow-browed Warbler, Hoopoe, Red-backed Shrike, Lapland and Little Bunting.

Bough Beech

Information
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South of Sevenoaks this is the largest reservoir in Kent (Bewl Water is larger, but straddles county borders and is mainly in Sussex). It attracts wintering wildfowl, regular Osprey in spring, Green Sandpiper, Little Ringed Plover and the odd rarity (most famously a Little Crake in 1998).

Canterbury Ring Woods - Church Woods

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An RSPB reserve on the northern outskirts of Canterbury. It has Redstart, Nightjar, Tree Pipit, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Sparrowhawk, Nightingale and the occasional Crossbill.

Canterbury Ring Woods - Clowes Wood

Information
A better bet for nightjar...

Canterbury Ring Woods - Larkey Valley Woods

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The best in the area for Hawfinch. Many other woods (Lyminge forest, Hamstreet, Bedgebury, etc) in the county hold similar birds and a good look at an OS map will allow birders to make their own discoveries.

Capel-le-Ferne

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The cliff-top area here is good for visible migration and has produced a string of rarities (including Kent’s first Isabelline Wheatear despite being covered by only a handful of birders.

Copt Point

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Near Folkestone has the largest congregation of Mediterranean Gulls in the country; winter is the best period, but birds can be found throughout the year (though very few in mid-summer).

Dengemarsh

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At the western extremity of the Dungeness reserve the road overlooks flooded fields that attract waders and a gully by the sea, which can hold migrants.

Dungeness Bird Observatory

Observatory Website
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The Observatory area is a classic migration hot spot with birds like Firecrest, Ring Ousel and regular rarities (Pallas's, Dusky, Melodious, Icterine, Blyth's Reed, Great-reed & Yellow-browed Warblers, Desert Wheatear, Ring-billed Gull, etc). The warm water patch created by the power station outflow is a draw for terns & gulls notably a Sabine's and a Bonaparte's Gull in 2001, whilst on shore winds in spring and autumn allow seabird passage to be monitored (esp. divers, terns, skuas, shearwaters). In 2001 a magnificent sighting of a Black Browed Albatross was enjoyed by a lucky few birders viewing from the Observatory sea-watch hide situated close-by the patch. Whist an Isabelline Shrike showed well in the area known as the desert.

Dungeness RSPB Reserve

Reserve Website
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The juxtaposition of the excellent RSPB reserve and the bird observatory makes Dunge one of the best sites in the county. The RSPB reserve regularly attracts wintering Penduline Tit and wildfowl (especially Smew). In summer it attracts nesting terns and regular Mediterranean Gulls. This Reserve is a must see when in Kent, not only is it building up overwintering and breeding bittern but had breeding purple sandpiper in 2010. Great for winter ducks and grebes, divers and rarities at any time.

Langden Cliffs

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Situated above Dover docks, the docks 24-hour lighting attracts migrants and contributes to making this spot well worth a visit during migration periods.

North Kent Marshes - Allhallows Marshes

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Follow the seawall east from the village, to choose between sea-watching on the Thames, visible migration along the shoreline, wader watching at the large roost on the shingle beach at Yantlet and on the saltings dotting the creek, or scanning the fields for raptors or over-wintering buntings. The path ends at Stoke Lagoon, excellent for duck in winter, and waders on passage. To the southeast of the village, the footpath to Binney Farm overlooks another small but productive flooded marsh.

North Kent Marshes - Bedlams Bottom

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Known to many simply as Funton, many waders and duck can be found close to the roadside lay-bys. The over-wintering avocet flock is usually a little more distant, but makes up for this in numbers. Raptors are often seen quartering the shorelines.

North Kent Marshes - Chattenden

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A series of woods on the Hoo ridge, with a mix of mature woodland, coppice, scrub and even semi-heath. Some of the more scarce species for the Peninsula can be found with patience, such as Nuthatch, Tawny Owl, and Hawfinch.

North Kent Marshes - Cliffe

Information
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Cliffe Pools is a mosaic of c.230 hectares of saline lagoons, fresh pools, grassland, salt marsh and scrub. These habitats have developed on old Blue Circle clay diggings and river dredgings. The RSPB is working in partnership with Westminster Dredging PLC to create a Flagship nature reserve and the centre point for visitors to the RSPBs NW Kent reserves. Resident - Great crested and little grebe, little egret, Pochard, Shelduck, redshank, lapwing, barn owl, stonechat, reed bunting. Spring/Summer - Breeding and migrant species including; hobby, avocet, black-tailed godwit, greenshank, ruff and rarities. turtle dove, nightingale, Autumn - Noteworthy for passage waders and other migrants; little stint, curlew, green and wood sandpipers, Garganey. Winter - Notable high tide roosts of waders including dunlin, grey plover and lapwing. Wintering duck such as pintail, Shoveler, teal and Pochard, and wintering raptors like hen and marsh harrier, peregrine and merlin. Other wildlife - Cliffe Pools are also home to a range of other wildlife including water vole and harvest mouse plus notable insects such as the scarce emerald damselfly, shrill carder bee and green hairstreak butterfly. Plant species include nationally notable species such as sea barley and annual beard grass.

North Kent Marshes - Grain

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The recently created Foreshore Country Park includes a mix of scrub and grassland attractive to migrants, but is under watched. The extensive mudflats hold many wading birds (best viewed some three/four hours before/after high tide). Visible migration is also rewarding here, and sea-watching can provide good, but distant, views of migrating and wintering seabirds. Another easily viewed area is Mosco Pool that can hold a good mix of duck.

North Kent Marshes - Hoo

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From the village a series of footpaths lead to the northern bank of the Medway. Inland, pools and floods near Abbott's Court are usually productive, as is scanning the old sewage farm beds there, which can hold Jack Snipe and Water Pipit in late winter.

North Kent Marshes - Horrid Hill

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Part of the Riverside Country Park, the Hill (actually a promontory) provides excellent views over the Medway islands, and large numbers of wildfowl and waders. Early birders who beat the dog-walkers might find resting night migrants. Just to the west lies a small sheltered pond attractive to small migrants, as is the scrubland of Eastcourt Meadows, the westernmost part of the park, where Yellow-browed Warbler has been found. To the east of Horrid Hill, the main footpath runs alongside more saltings and creeks that often hold many birds, often close inshore.

North Kent Marshes - Lower Halstow

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A little gem of a reserve, consisting of a mix of scrub and reed-bed. The seawall may be followed northwards along the edge of the paddocks and orchards of Ham Green, with good views over the mudflats and islands lying offshore.

North Kent Marshes - Motney

Reserve Website
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Another promontory on the Medway, giving views over the estuary. Take the footpath along the western edge, to reach a small grassy viewpoint at the northernmost tip, near to a regular wader roost, and the deep channel of Bartlett Creek, often holding diving duck and scarcer grebes in season. Scrub and an extensive reedbed complex dominate the western half.

North Kent Marshes - Murston

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Located opposite Elmley at the mouth of the Swale and can also attract skuas and petrels. It offers good views over the Swale whilst the old clay pits regularly attract Scaup in winter.

North Kent Marshes - Northward Hill

ttp://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/n/northwardhill/index.asp
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The site of Britain’s largest heronry. To the west there is a recently created small scrape which attracts a good range of waders although only long-range viewing is possible so smaller waders may be missed.

North Kent Marshes - Oare

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The new reserve at Oare attracts good numbers of waders and, since it is fairly small, these are often closer at hand than elsewhere. It has attracted Long-billed Dowitcher, Buff-breasted Sandpiper, White-rumped Sandpiper, Semi-plamated Sandpiper and, in winter, Shorelark, Snow Bunting and Twite.

North Kent Marshes - Seasalter

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The walk along the Swale from the Sportsman at Seasalter is often very good for waders and in season, passing skuas. In recent years the area has attracted its own share of rarities - Sociable Plover, White-tailed Eagle & Blyth's Pipit included.

North Kent Marshes - Stoke Saltings

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Although the area is extensively shot over, birding can still be rewarding here. It is probably the most regular site for Twite on the Hoo Peninsula. Walk the seawall from Lower Stoke village towards Grain to view marshland, reed-fringed pools and a myriad of creeks and islands.

Pegwell Bay

Information
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A little further north of Sandwich this is a site where a telescope is vital and knowledge of the tides is very useful. For optimum viewing try to arrive an hour either side of high tide. Rare and scarce waders are regularly found (e.g. Kentish Plover) along with good passing birds (Bluethroat, Osprey, Red Kite amongst others). A hide and a public car-park are amongst it's assets.

Reculver - Bishopstone Glen

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The bushes at Chambers Wall and Shuart Lane provide useful shelter for migrants (rarities in this general area have included Booted, Yellow-browed, Greenish, Arctic & Pallas's Warbler, Woodchat Shrike & Desert Wheatear). In 2001, Dusky Warbler was recorded here. A popular spot for sea-watching, especially when North/North Easterlies prevail.

Reculver - Chambers Wall

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Excellent during migration periods with the long hedges full of warblers or thrushes and the reedy ditches good for waders and ducks.

Reculver - Shuart Lane

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Reculver Towers

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Good numbers of skuas, regular Leach's Petrel, Sooty Shearwaters & Sabine's Gull. A popular spot for sea-watching, especially when North/North Easterlies prevail.

Samphire Ho

Reserve Website
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To the west of Dover, created from the spoil of the channel tunnel this imaginative development is of growing interest. Spider Orchids are flourishing here.

Sandwich - Monk's Wall

Information
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A shadow of its rarity attracting past as it barely floods but can turn up some interesting birds.

Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory

Observatory Website
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Once one of Kent's premier spots for rarities. Amongst much else, it has produced Isabelline & Lesser Grey Shrikes, Radde's, Dusky, Pallas's, Greenish and Yellow-browed Warblers, Olive-backed Pipit, Short-toed Lark & Tawny Pipit. (Note that there is a toll for entry to Sandwich Bay estate – unless you become a member of the Obs). Recently revamped with substantial redevelopment moneys, the new Observatory buildings including an observation tower plus comfortable accommodation, it is a must visit when in the area.

Seaton Gravel Pits

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Provides habitat for diving duck lacking elsewhere in the valley - regular species include wintering Smew, Goosander and Goldeneye. It also attracts Bittern. Recent rarities have included Ferruginous Duck and Ring-necked Duck. The stream holds grey wagtail and the surrounding trees siskin, redpoll etc.

Sheppey - Capel Fleet

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At the eastern end of the island Capel Fleet is the best area for raptors - Marsh & Hen Harrier, Merlin, Peregrine, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk are regular with Red Kite & Rough-legged Buzzard recorded in recent years. It is also a good place to see wintering White-fronted Geese and the flock has included Pinkfeet, Bean, Barnacle and even Lesser White-fronted Geese.

Sheppey - Elmey

Information
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The RSPB reserve at Elmey has the near obligatory breeding Avocets, but also attracts a wide variety of waders and wildfowl throughout the year, including a fair proportion of rarities. Along the entrance track still more excellent wetland has been created as a result of ‘set aside’ policies). This has recently been enhanced by the creation of new scrapes and ponds easily viewable from your car. Great for all 5 owls and raptors as well as wildfowl and waders.

Sheppey - North Swale Reserve

Information
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At the eastern extremity of the island is hampered by hides, which are too distant from the wader pools. The wader roost on the nearby shingle beach can be good (though care needs to be exercised here) and the autumn sea watching from the beach at Shellness (GR 023663) in NW winds can be excellent. The walk from Church (GR 055679) to Shellness can be good, though retracing one’s steps is a chore.

Sheppey - Warden Point

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Has potential as a migration hot spot - Pallas's & Yellow-browed Warbler and Red-breasted Flycatcher have been noted.

Snodland - New Hythe

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With Dungeness the gravel pits at Snodland are excellent for wintering Smew and other ducks. Recent rarities have included Ferruginous Duck, Purple Heron & Penduline Tit. It is also a good wintering site for Long-eared Owl and Bittern

Stour Valley - Grove Ferry

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Here the conversion of the old turf fields on the eastern edge of the reserve has created a superb wetland habitat that has already attracted impressive numbers of Garganey, Lapwing, Golden Plover, Hobby and rarities including; Collared Pratincole, Long-billed Dowitcher, Slender-billed Gull, Baillon's Crake, Blue-winged Teal. Splendid species seen here in 2001 included Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, Spotted Crake and Pectoral Sandpiper.

Stour Valley - Stodmarsh

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The traditional hot spot in the valley, but has recently been outshone by the new extension to the reserve at Grove Ferry. The Stodmarsh ‘end’ remains one of the best places in the county to witness winter roost of Hen Harriers, glimpse the odd wintering Bittern and catch up with Bearded Tit.

Stour Valley - Westbere

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Towards Canterbury has suffered from the proximity of Stodmarsh - it holds similar birds to Stodmarsh, but being much less well watched has produced fewer surprises.

Thanet - Foreness Point

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Sea watching off Foreness Point can also be productive. In winter this coast holds numbers of Purple Sandpiper and Rock Pipit which can be found at any of the bays with careful searching, as can black redstart and the less sure horned (shore) lark.

Thanet - Margate Cemetery

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Watched by a pro - see his BLOG

Thanet - North Foreland

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Sea-watching here can produce skuas, alcids, divers, etc. in winter and waders between here and the beach at Joss Bay include purple sandpiper and rarities on passage. The area around the sewage pumping station (regular horned lark) and cabbage fields may turn up anything during migration and local patch birders see good numbers of ring-ousels, wryneck, etc.

Thanet - Northdown Park

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Northdown Park whilst much busier than the cemetery has had some notable rarities which includes regular Pallas's and yellow-browed warbler, firecrest etc. It was one of the first places in the UK to have a population of ring-necked parakeets and a morning's visit will often produce 100 or more screaming overhead. Early mornings in passage times can produce good numbers of migrants or even a view of the Fatbirder in its nesting habitat.

Ashford Bird Club

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Club Chairperson: Andew Lapworth - Phone: 01303 812200 (fax 812768)

Dartford Ringing Group

Website

We are a group of amateur ornithologists, ringing (banding) wild birds in the counties of Kent and Surrey in the southeast of the United Kingdom. The Dartford Ringing Group was formed in 1968...

Harrison Institute

Website

The Harrison Institute seeks to promote wildlife conservation. It specialises in the study of mammals (recent and fossil) and birds and works alongside in-country scientists. It is currently running a series of projects in the Old World tropics, particularly in Southeast Asia. It welcomes participation in its field studies and expeditions. Volunteers have the opportunity to support and take part in a variety of projects and in doing so visit beautiful and often remote areas of the world...

Kent Ornithological Society

Website

Kent Ornithological SocietyDr Grant Hazlehurst, PO Box 1211London NW1 1AE 020 8650 7063 - Kent is ornithologically one of the most exciting counties in Britain. Habitats as diverse as salt and grazing marshes, extensive reed beds, ancient Wealden woodland, open downland and fertile river valleys are reflected in an equally diverse bird population. In winter flocks of White-fronted Geese from Siberia are a familiar sight on the Isle of Sheppey, while the woodland and scrubland in Kent support Britain`s densest population of Nightingales. Rarities such as Yellow-browed and Pallas's Warblers are recorded annually around the Kent coastline which hosts the counties two observatories; Sandwich and Dungeness....

Kent Wildlife Trust

Website

Kent Wildlife Trust works to secure a better future for the native wildlife of Kent through, among other things, the management of reserves. 50+ nature reserves including woodland, wetland, grassland and coastal sites managed to protect and encourage the native plants and animals Advice available on management of wildlife habitats, from gardens and school grounds to ancient woodland and unimproved farmland...

Kentish Stour Countryside Project

Information

Conserving the Stour Valley...

RSPB Bromley Members Group

The group exists to support the work of the RSPB and to promote conservation and understanding of wild birds, other wildlife and habitats. A wide range of activities is organised, including local walks, car and coach outings, slide shows and participation in local environmental events. Membership is open to all RSPB members. The annual fee is £2.50 for individuals and £3.50 for families. There is also an RSPB Wildlife Explorers Group in the area, covering Bromley and Bexley. This is a group that organises events and meetings for children. The annual membership fee is £1.50 per family...

RSPB Canterbury Local Group

Information

Welcome to the RSPB Canterbury Local Group website. We are a local group with over 200 members, and some of us meet regularly for evening illustrated talks. The talks are held on the second Wednesday of each month at 8pm from September to April. There are field trips all through the year on a monthly basis...

RSPB Gravesend Local Group

Information

Within this site, you will find information about our group, our current programme of indoor and outdoor meetings, extracts from our latest newsletter. Check out our news feed page for our latest announcements...

RSPB Maidstone Members Group

Information

Facts about joining the group, indoor & outdoor meetings - The Maidstone RSPB Members Group was formed in the early 1970s by a dedicated few and over the last 27 years membership has steadily grown to approximately 150 members. These include both novice and experienced bird watchers and those with a general wildlife and conservation interest. The aim of the Group is to actively support the work of the RSPB in the local community, our objectives to raise awareness of the Society, recruit new members and raise funds...

RSPB Medway Members Group

Information

If you are interested in birdwatching, or other environmental matters, in north Kent this is the place to see the latest news. The Medway RSPB group was founded in 1974, and has always endeavoured to produce an interesting programme of indoor and outdoor events, including various fund-raising activities. We are always happy to see new faces at our illustrated talks, and at our birdwatching walks, where help is always on hand with identifying the birds, plants, insects, etc...

RSPB Sevenoaks Local group

Information

This is the website of the Sevenoaks Local Group. RSPB local groups are a great way to meet friendly, like-minded people in your area while learning more about birds and wildlife...

RSPB South East Kent Local Group

Information

The group covers the area from Romney Marsh in the west across to Deal in the east. Even if you live outside our area, you are more than welcome to join us! The group holds indoor meetings each month, usually with a guest speaker and slide show. We have a varied programme of outdoor events, and once again everyone is welcome...

RSPB Thanet Local Group

E-Mail

The group's aim is to support actively the work of the RSPB in the local community and to involve RSPB members and the wider public in the Society's conservation, public affairs, education, fundraising and other activities. We offer a programme of bird-watching walks in East Kent. We also have an indoor programme that includes a monthly illustrated talk. So, if you would like to have fun and meet like minded people contact us and help make a difference for birds and wildlife.

RSPB Tonbridge Group

Information

This is the website of the Tonbridge Local Group. RSPB local groups are a great way to meet friendly, like-minded people in your area while learning more about birds and wildlife...

Wildlife Gateway

Website

Wildlife Gateway has been created by the Wildlife Trusts in Thames Gateway as part of their commitment to high quality regeneration which delivers for people and wildlife...

Bedgebury Pinetum

Website
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Not a reserves specifically for fauna but a collection of trees - the pines of the world. However, this is an excellent place in the winter for finding crossbills and hawfinches as well as more common birds such as finches, tits and woodpeckers.

Blean Woods

Information
Walks
This part of the Blean makes one of the largest blocks of woodland under conservation management in the south east England. Land is owned and managed by the Woodland Trust, The RSPB, English Nature, Canterbury City Council, Swale Borough Council and Kent County Council.

Blean Woods National Nature Reserve

Information
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Blean Woods National Nature Reserve (NNR) is situated to the north of Canterbury on the London Clay in the North Kent Plain Natural Area. The reserve is part of an extensive block of woodland, including reserves owned by the RSPB and the Woodland Trust, which comprise part of the wider forest for which the area is famous. The reserve is an ancient woodland with a well documented history. The visitor can see many archaeological features, such as mediaeval ditch and bank systems and disused charcoal kilns.

Buckland Lake Reserve

Reserve Website
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Our long term aim is to achieve a blend that preserves, enhances and promotes the interests of wildfowl while at the same time, offers a secure, relaxed and comfortable environment for people, with something for all visitors. From a simple cup of tea and a pleasant stroll to fully hands on wildlife courses...

Dungeness National Nature Reserve

Reserve Website
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Dungeness is a cuspate (tooth shaped) shingle beach located on the Kent/East Sussex border. The shingle beach, derived largely from material eroded during the last glaciation, has formed progressively over the past 6000 years, and is the spine behind which the Romney and Walland Marshes have developed.

Elmley National Nature Reserve

Information
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Elmley National Nature Reserve (NNR) consists largely of flat, open grazing marsh at or below sea level but protected from the sea by clay walls. The grazing marsh is divided by brackish ditches and fleets which act as wet fences for stock control. In winter and spring there is extensive shallow surface flooding.

Fowlmead Country Park

Reserve Website
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The redevelopment of Betteshanger Colliery’s former spoil tip into a nature reserve with world-class leisure facilities required an immense amount of planning and work...

Ham Street Woods National Nature Reserve

Information
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Ham Street Woods National Nature Reserve (NNR) sits on the old escarpment of the Saxon shoreline (now at least 12 miles from the sea) and has some interesting archaeological features.

High Halstow National Nature Reserve

Information
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High Halstow National Nature Reserve (NNR) is a complex mosaic of scrub and woodland habitat, dominated by hawthorn scrub and ancient oak woodlands, with regenerating elm woodland.

Kent Wildlife Trust Reserves

Information
There are around 50 wildlife reserves in Kent being managed by Natural England and the Kent Wildlife Trust (links open in a new window). Of those 50, 12 are national and 37 are local. These wildlife reserves could be designated conservation areas...

Monkton Nature Reserve

Reserve Website
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There is a small young woodland in land above the quarry, and this is becoming well used by the bird population. Breeding numbers of Turtle Dove in this woodland have risen from one to five pairs over the last ten years.

New Hythe Gravel Pits

Information
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New Hythe is an area of old gravel and sand workings sandwiched between Snodland and Larkfield in mid Kent. Bordered by the tidal River Medway to the east and a dual carriageway to the west, the area has an interesting mix of habitats including several large areas of open water. Surrounding the lakes is a variety of habitats including reed beds, grazing marsh, scrub and pockets of mixed woodland. To the north and south are Paper Mills, housing estates and a superstore.

Nightingale Nature Centre

Centre Website
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Environmental Education and Field Studies Facilities in the Heart of Ashford, Kent. Here the river bank flora differs considerably from that of the pond allowing comparative study of water plant habitats. Many mammals and birds use the river bank...

Reculver Country Park

Information
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Reculver Country Park consists of 37 hectares of coastal land stretching from Reculver to Bishopstone Glen. Part of the Country Park is a Local Nature Reserve and much of it is designated SSSI. It is site of geological, historical and wildlife interest.

Romney Marsh Countryside Project

Website
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The Romney Marsh Countryside Project was set up in June 1996, a sister project to the White Cliffs Countryside Project. The project aims to care for the special landscape and wildlife of the Romney Marsh and Dungeness. We aim to encourage people to enjoy and understand the countryside through guided walks, cycle rides, countryside events and children's activities...

RSPB Reserve - Blean Woods

Information
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Blean Woods is one of the largest areas of ancient broadleaved woodland in southern Britain. Woodpeckers are plentiful, while in the summer there are about 30 pairs of nightingales and several nightjars. The reserve is one of the few places in Britain where you can find the heath fritillary butterfly...

RSPB Reserve - Cliffe Pools

Information
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A wide variety of birds can be found at the reserve including 60 pairs of avocets. Great crested grebes, shelducks, lapwings and little egrets are all resident. During the autumn wading birds pass through on migration. Some remain in the winter and are joined by pintails, shovelers, teals and other ducks. In spring and summer look out for hobbies and nightingales...

RSPB Reserve - Dungeness

Reserve Website
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Dungeness has one of south-east England`s most important breeding colonies of gulls and terns...

RSPB Reserve - Elmley Marshes

RSPB - Elmley Marshes
hhttp://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=Seaton,+Kent&hl=en&ll=51.386352,0.778656&spn=0.051314,0.187798&sll=51.283635,1.335268&sspn=0.012857,0.046949&t=h&z=13
The wet grassland at Elmley Marshes attracts thousands of ducks, geese and wading birds in the winter. Hen harriers, merlins, peregrines and short-eared owls can also be seen during the winter. In the summer, many wading birds, including the elegant avocet, breed on the reserve.

RSPB Reserve - Nor Marsh and Motney Hill

Reserve Website
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In the winter at both sites, large numbers of wildfowl can be seen, including brent geese, pintails, shelducks and goldeneyes along with grey plovers, knots and avocets...

RSPB Reserve - Northward Hill

Information
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As well as nightingales and turtle doves, the wood has the largest heronry in the UK, with over 150 pairs of grey herons nesting in the treetops. On the grazing marshes below the woods, wading birds such as lapwings and redshanks breed. In the winter, wading birds and wildfowl including wigeons and teals can be seen, along with buzzards, hen harriers and merlins...

RSPB Reserve - Tudeley Woods

Information
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All three British species of woodpecker live in the wood as well as nuthatches and treecreepers...

Sandwich and Pegwell Bay National Nature Reserve

Information
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The reserve is composed of a mixture of natural, semi-natural and artificial habitats. The natural habitats include; eroding chalk cliffs and wave cut platforms to the north of Pegwell Bay, intertidal mudflats, developing beaches, sand dunes and saltmarsh. The semi-natural habitats include; ancient dune pasture and coastal scrubland. The re-created grassland of the Pegwell Bay Country Park, along with ponds, dykes and ditches make up the recent artificial habitats.

Stodmarsh

Information
Stodmarsh National Nature Reserve covers 241 hectares of wetland and is characterised by extensive reed beds, lakes and associated bird populations. It is a Special Protection Area and also a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention. The reserve is managed by English Nature as a National Nature Reserve.

Stodmarsh National Nature Reserve

Information
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Stodmarsh National Nature Reserve (NNR) is situated in the lower regions of the north Kent plain within the Stour valley. The reserve developed when coal mining subsidence formed marshland with large reedbeds, lakes, ditches, meadows and wet woodland.

The Swale National Nature Reserve

Information
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The Swale National Nature Reserve (NNR) is predominantly grazing marsh with significant wintering populations of waterfowl. It is also a Special Protection Area (SPA) and Ramsar site. The saltings are of historical importance. The reserve has a nature trail with three bird hides, including a tower hide. An elaborate bunding scheme enables water to be retained in certain areas throughout the summer.

Wildwood Discovery Park

Information
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Wildwood is a unique woodland discovery park. It occupies 30 acres of ancient woodland, with easy access and loads to do and to find out... Where Beavers are being introduced into an English landscape to monitor their progress...

Wye National Nature Reserve

Information
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Wye National Nature Reserve (NNR) comprises chalk grassland and woodland on steep coombes.

Adam Whitehouse - East Malling, Ditton & Barming

BLOG

Dark clouds loomed heavily to the west as I set out this morning, but the sun was still strong as I approached the Pea Field and heard the scratchy song of a Whitethroat - first for my walk in this year. It showed briefly, bellowing it's throat outwards before disappearing quickly into the brambles. 5x Blackcaps were seen and at least 3x Chiffchaffs called. Yellowhammers stood out as markers along the hedgerow with up to 5 males seen...

Alan & Brenda Fossey - Birding Paradigms

BLOG

BLOG & Photos from a Kent & a Norfolk birder....

Alan Pavey - Sissinghurst Birds etc...

Blog

This is an attempt to share some of the sightings of birds and various other wildlife that can be seen around the National Trust property here at Sissinghurst in Kent, plus some accounts of trips further afield...

Alan Woodcock - Snodland & Surrounding Area

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My name is Alan Woodcock.I have been bird-watching in the area for nearly fifty years and (bird ringing) since 1980. I hope to keep up to date sightings of wildlife I have seen (mainly birds) with occasional diary entries of past times...

Barry Wright - Highs & Lows of Birding

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Biomedical Scientist, Birder, and Kentish born and bred. Often found wandering the North Kent marshes or sitting patiently amongst tideline rubbish photographing Rock Pipits !! ( I really should get out more)...

Dave Jordan - Birds of the North Kent Marshes

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Me in a Nutshell I was born in Whitstable at the start of the war so I am now obviously retired. I have been a keen photographer all of my life having dabbled in all facets of photography from social events to industrialI taught photograhy and darkroom techniques at Maidstone Art College in the early 70's...

Dave Morrison - Mo Birding

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...welcome to my blog. I Have been birding around the Hornchurch and Rainham area for 20 years now and enjoy local patch birding.I also enjoy birds of prey,and have travelled abroad to watch and photograph them...

Derek Faulkner - Letters From Sheppey

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I have lived on and rambled around on Sheppey all of my life and I'm interested in anything to do with its wildlife and history. Retired in 2006,aged 59. Have been a Voluntary Warden on the Swale NNR at Harty, Sheppey since 1987. I first joined the Kent Ornithological Society in 1959 but I very rarely birdwatch anywhere other than on Sheppey...

Fred O'Hare - Greenie in the Wild

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I spend my retirement photographing and recording the wildlife in the area surrounding West Wickham , on the Kent/Surrey/Outer London borders...

Gary Howard - Birds & Wildlife

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I’ve had an interest in wildlife, primarily birds, since I was a boy. It began with watching birds in the garden, then recording species seen on my paper-round, on family days-out and holiday’s and before too long I was hooked! I started watching a “patch” – Ruxley Gravel Pit’s in Kent, then travelling out into Kent to explore places like the North Kent Marshes, Dungeness and Bough Beech Reservoir. Soon I was seeking out specific more localised species and then started twitching in the early 1980’s...

God's Own Clay Tawny Owls

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Lots of information about tawnies based on observations of our local owls in south Kent. Sections on nestboxes, nesting activities, chick development, calls and more. Illustrated with photos and recordings...

John Young - Go Wild in Kent & Beyond

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I've been lucky enough to have travelled on the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans in search of whales, dolphins, porpoises and seabirds and also many other countries in search of great wildlife. An amateur photographer...

Ken Browne - Focusing on Wildlife

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Birds have always been my main interest, my favourite being the Red Kite. I am also interested in Butterflies, Moths, Dragonflies, Damselflies, along with all other creatures great and small. I enjoy taking photo's of anything of interest when I am out and about, hopefully good enough to post on my blog along with a record of my daily sightings...

Kingsdowner

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An account of all things natural in Kingsdown, East kent...

Marc Heath - The Reculver & Stour Valley Birder

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e.g. was out and about early this morning as usual wandering the lanes in search of Owls. I managed 2 Long eared Owls, 1 heard calling and 1 seen in the car headlights as it flew low from a bush. I then made my way to Reculver where after a doze in the car I walked down to Coldharbour and back...

Mark Chidwick - Chiddys Photo BLOG

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Natural History Diary - Ashley Powell

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Currently studying Wildlife Conservation at the university of Kent at Canterbury, I have been birding for quite a while now starting at a young age with the Cheshire Meres being my original local haunt...

Neil Burt - Ashford Birder's Blog

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Bird sightings, photos and general musings from locations around Ashford, Walland Marsh, other sites in Kent and further afield....

Paul - The Tortoise Man

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Whilst I'm very much a "novice birder" (encouraged by my 8 year old son) I also enjoy, seek out, and try to photograph other local wildlife too. The area's that I frequent are between Maidstone, East/West Malling, Mereworth, through to Hadlow. My adopted patch is situated on the borders of East Peckham and Mereworth, its St. Michaels Church and the surrounding area...

Phil Green - Phil & Mandy's Wildlife

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Phil Green - Tonbridge, Kent, United Kingdom - This is Phil and Mandys Wildlife Blog. We hope to keep it updated with sightings of our birding trips. Camera is a Sony Cybershot DSC-T500, and a Swarovski ATS80 HD scope...

Phil Sharp - Sharp By Nature

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I have an interest in all wildlife, but especially birds. My local patch is New Hythe Lakes and this is where I spend most of my time, although I'm happy to be outside anywhere with my binoculars and walking boots...

Phil Smith - Kearsney Birder

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Birdwatching began seriously in my late teens when Spud Taylor introduced me to the song of the willow warbler , terns at sandwich bay, redshanks and snipe at stodmarsh and shelduck at nagden and apart from when rugby became all consuming I have been a birder ever since. Since retiring I have spent most of my time wandering around East Kent watching and now photographing birds and butterflies. I am a volunteer ranger at Samphire Hoe on a tuesday where my claim to fame is finding a hoopoe in august 2009...

Robs Birding Adventures

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Kent birder’s BLOG with photos etc…

Simon Ginnaw - Mote Park

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Hi, my name is Simon. My local patch is Mote Park, one of Kent’s largest parks and right on the edge of Maidstone, the county town of Kent. It is a former country estate, and records of the Park date back since before the 14th century. The park has a variety of habitats and in this blog I will note the wildlife that I encounter in them...

Steve Ashton's Wildlife Gallery

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I have a Diary/Blog section, giving a brief account of my trip, and some of the birds seen that day. Thank you to all of those people I have met over the past two years, that have helped in giving advice on camera and photography techniques, and to those who have had to put up with me on twitches, day trips, and on the odd occasions, trips away, lasting for a few days...

Steve Nunn - New Hythe Wildlife BLOG

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I have set up this blog to record my bird and general wildlife sightings in the 5 mile radius of my home. This includes my local patch - New Hythe/Leybourne Lakes. This is an inland area of West Kent, a few miles from Maidstone. I rarely stray more than a few miles from this area these days. I live in a village called Birling which is at the foot of the North Downs and about 1.5 miles from New Hythe...

Steve Reynaert - Steve's Wildlife Photography BLOG

Photoblog

Photoblog

Steve Tomlinson - Margate Cemetery Wildlife

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The aim of this site will be to give readers the most up-to-date bird records at Margate Cemetery, and any other wildlife sightings found that may be of interest. Please feel free to contact me at anytime with any bird sightings relevant to the site, my email address will be shown under my complete profile. Enjoy...

The Bald Birder

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Attempt to see or photo one new 'something' every day. This was in Kent, but have been travelling since Aug 09...

The Big Twitch

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After the huge success of last year’s Big Twitch, the bird-watching team are back with plans for an even bigger and better challenge to raise money for this year’s Charity of the Year, The Children’s Trust...

Tony Morris - St Margarets at Cliffe

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Lots of birding info and photos as well as village life...

Warren Baker - Pittswood Birds (Hadlow)

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Welcome to pittswoodpatch. This is my diary of mainly bird sightings,but also other wildlife seen on my local patch at Pittswood, near Hadlow...

Birdline East Anglia

Birdline

What's about? Simply phone 09068 700245. Please report your bird sightings to phone/text 07941333970 or e birdnews@birdlineeastanglia.co.uk - Calls to 09068 700245 cost 60p/min from a BT landline other networks may vary...

Buzz Optics

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Here at Buzz Optics we make buying binoculars easy. We have a large assortment of binoculars ranging from compact pocket sized models, suitable for observing whilst on the move, to huge static binoculars that are especially useful for astronomy. Whatever your interest or reason for buying a pair of binoculars, we are happy to help you choose the right pair for you... Unit 12 Spa Industrial Park, Longfield Road Tunbridge Wells Kent TN2 3EN

EagleEye OpticZooms

Website

We are the sole manufacturers of all EagleEye products sold on this website...

Folkestone & Hythe Birds (& other natural history)

Website

Latest sightings, reviews, pictures, lists and more...

Maps

Information

Some detailed maps of top Kent birding sites...

North Kent Marshes

Article

The ecological importance of the North Kent marshes is reflected in their designation as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI); Ramsar Sites and Special Protection Areas under the EEC Birds Directive (79/409). The marshes are also recognised for their importance to birds, nature conservation more generally.

Planet Thanet

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Frustrated by the lack of information from other local sources, a small group of enthusiastic observers, based around Ramsgate and Dumpton on the Eastern side of the island, have decided to provide the cyber system with our tilt on things. Birds and insects, particularly Moths, will be the mainstay of our input. Yet if we become aware of any other wildlife related news, this will also be included...

Raptor Centre

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The centre is at Groombridge near Tunbridge Wells. We are strictly a sanctuary for Birds of Prey not a Falconry centre. Falconry is sport which involves hunting with trained Birds of Prey (Raptors - to give them their proper name); falconry is possibly the oldest sport in the world - dating back to around 2000BC! At the Centre our only concern is for the welfare and survival of these magnificent birds in the wild.

RX Wildlife News

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All the latest wildlife news & events from Hastings, Rye Bay, Dungeness & Romney Marsh...

Sandwich Bird Tours

Tour Company

Over several years our experience of organizing and leading successful tour groups has made it clear that while the birds are the main focus of attention, there are other factors that go towards making a successful trip. For many birdwatchers, a relaxed pace, the chance to savour some of the region's culture and good company before, during and after bird watching are essential elements of a trip abroad...

Thanet Birding

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I first discovered birding when I was about nine years old and have since discovered that it's a hobby that can be pursued just about anywhere (except in Croydon, where there don't seem to be any birds at all). Most of my birding has been done in Thanet, mainly because that's where I live. Thanet is the extreme south-eastern corner of Britain, in the county of Kent. It's normally associated with the bucket 'n spade seaside resorts of Margate, Ramsgate and Broadstairs, but it's also very well-placed for migrating birds.

Artist - Chris Furse

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Chris Furse paints wild birds from my field sketches...

Artist - Mike Woodcock

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I am a wildlife artist specialising in owls and birds of prey, both wild birds in natural settings, and those used in falconry. I am a member of The Wildlife Art Society and have been painting and drawing birds of prey and other wildlife for many years. I have sold to collectors as far afield as The United Arab Emirates, The United States, India and Europe and my work can currently be found on permanent exhibition at Eagle Heights bird of prey centre in my home county of Kent.

Artist - Norman McCanch

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Born in Wales in 1953, Norman McCanch originally trained as a taxidermist but then spent three years working for Trinity House as a lighthouse keeper around the coasts of England and Wales, before studying graphic design and illustration at Canterbury College of Art. A keen bird ringer, he has held a licence since 1973 and was formerly warden of the bird observatories at Sandwich Bay and the Calf of Man. He gained a PhD in Avian Ecology from the University of Liverpool, and is a Chartered Biologist. He now teaches Biology and Chemistry at a Grammar school in Kent...

Artist - Stephen Message

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STEPHEN MESSAGE lives in the village of Benenden, Kent, England. It is here around the country lanes, meadows, woods and nearby Romney Marsh, that many of his inspirations for paintings derive... ...An experienced bird watcher and an active member of Kent Ornithological Society and Dungeness Bird Observatory, many of his art and design works are donated for the societies' publications...

Artist – Ian Bowles

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Ian Bowles has been a full-time professional artist for over 30 years, selling his watercolour paintings through exhibitions, galleries, commissioned work and by personal recommendation…

Birds Birds Birds

Gallery

Mostly art for sale by Kent birders...

Photographer - Andy Vidler

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I have been interested in bird watching and wildlife in the UK most of my life, and took up photography in March 2004, full story in profiles. My photographs are taken mainly in Kent, but my collection also includes many taken around Britain and Europe. Images will be updated...

Photographer - David Featherbe

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Excellent photography - mostly birds but other wildlife etc. too...

Photographer - Jodie Randall

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My fascination with nature developed at an early age. As a young child, most of my weekends were spent climbing trees in the local woodlands and exploring the Kent countryside with my two elder sisters...

Photographer - John Devries

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I have been passionate about wildlife since I was a child –more than 40 years ago. I started out collecting butterflies and pressing wildflowers but quickly decided that these beautiful things were far more interesting when they were alive and were far too precious to destroy... ...some really beautiful images of british Birds and orchids and much more...

Photographer - Robert Canis

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I'm a professional photographer living in Sittingbourne, Kent. Born in 1970, from the age of around 10 I have always had a keen interest in natural history and when introduced to a local well known naturalist and photographer called Ted Coleman his enthusiasm soon rubbed off on me and it wasn't long before I found myselfphotographing alongside him...

Photographer - Steve & Mick Voina

Website

Photo BLOG

Photographer - Steve Ashton

Website

Welcome to my web site, showing my photographs, of mainly birds, that I encounter on my wanderings around East Kent, and sometimes when feeling adventurous, a little further a field...

Photographer – Matt Jones

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I live in Kent in the south-east of England and have had an interest in wildlife, particularly birds, from a very young age. In 2002 I started digi-scoping while out birdwatching using a Nikon Coolpix 995 and Swarovski 80HD...