|
|
|
 |
Stodmarsh
Stodmarsh National Nature Reserve... Stodmarsh National Nature Reserve is situated five miles east tof Canterbury in the village of Stodmarsh 241 hectares of wetland and is characterised by extensive reedbeds, lakes and associated bird populations. It is a Special Protection Area and also a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention.
WILD HORSES RETURN TO KENT TO STODMARSH FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 7,000 YEARS... Wild horses have been returned to the nature reserve and can be found roaming the fields Here we provide some details on where and when to find some of the scarcer visitors to the Kent area. Bittern Although one or two pairs may breed in the county, this species is most easily found during the winter months when the local population is supplemented by birds of Scandinavian origin. Favoured sites during the winter include Stodmarsh & Grove Ferry, First arrivals can be expected in November and birds may linger until early March.Marsh Harrier This species is absent from most of the county, but is locally quite common. Hen Harrier A regular winter visitor that can be found with some ease in north Kent. Most birds arrive in September and October and depart during March. However, odd birds may be encountered as late as May and as early as late July. Spotted Crake Formerly regarded as a very rare passage migrant, primarily in autumn this species has recently been regular in small numbers during August and September at Grove Ferry. Up to 6 have been seen in a day during the past 2-3 years although 1-2 birds is more typical.Temminck’s Stint A scarce passage migrant in spring and autumn. It is difficult to predict when this species will appear, although E or SE winds in spring may well cause this species to arrive. Favoured locations include Grove Ferry.Cetti’s Warbler More easily heard than seen, this species can be found at a number of specific locations across the county. The largest populations are present in the Stour Valley, where Stodmarsh and Grove Ferry offer the best chance of a sighting.Grasshopper Warbler A steadily declining summer visitor which is increasingly difficult to find without up-to-date local knowledge. Birds will usually appear in April and can be seen into July. Autumn migrants pass through during August and September. Favoured breeding season locations include Stodmarsh and Grove Ferry, Grove Ferry...This attractive site alongside the River Great Stour offers visitors a lot more than just a picnic area. It’s an ideal place to take a riverside stroll, play games or go fishing. Boat trips along the river depart from the nearby Grove Ferry Inn Three recreational trails - the Stour Valley Walk, the Saxon Shore Way and the Wantsum Walks all pass through the site, making this an ideal starting point for exploring the surrounding countryside. The flat terrain also makes this an ideal area for cycling. Grove Ferry has some value for wildlife - its meadows are managed to encourage wild flowers and insects. Other breeding birds of Stodmarsh... include Little and Great Crested Grebes and Garganey, a regular migrant, one or two pairs of which usually remain to nest. Gadwall, Teal and Shoveler are present year-round as well as Pochard and Tufted Duck and feral Greylags and Canada Geese are common visitors. Cormorants regularly roost here, Kingfisher is usually present all-year as is the elusive Water Rail. Common Terns have been encouraged to nest on an artificial island and Lesser Spotted Woodpecker can be seen in the alders. During passage periods a much wider variety of birds can be seen including many species of wader, Little and Black Terns and Marsh Harrier. Huge flocks of hirundines and swifts gather in autumn usually attracting one or two Hobbies. Being one of the closest British wetlands to the Continent, Stodmarsh is one of the sites to see rare migrant species such as Spotted Crake, White-winged Black Tern and Purple Heron. Regular brief spring visitors are Golden Oriole and Osprey. In fact, Stodmarsh has hosted a long list of rarities including Whiskered Tern and Britain’s first American Coot and Pallid Swift.
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |