Where to go in Kent this month?

[Deb London]

We are possibly going to Kent in a few days and I'd love a couple of ideas for good places to visit in terms of wildlife.

Birds are rapidly becoming my number one wildlife interest. I have a number that I would love to see - Nightjars, Cuckoos, SE Owls, roding Woodcock, Lesser Whitethroats still elude me. I suppose I'm interested in heathland and woodland the most.

Also any good spots for seasonal butterflies would be greatly appreciated.

Or anywhere that we can walk for miles and not see a soul (because, quite frankly, we are in need of a getaway-from-it-all tonic right away). Possibly with nice scenery.

Just found my OS map 189, so if places are within that area, that would be a bonus. However, I'm now armed with Google Maps for Mobile, and of course my trusty compass if all else fails.

All we are lacking is inspiration.

[aeshna5]

Blean Woods is an excellent site for Heath Fritillaries.

Stodmarsh is good for Cuckoos + Lesser Whitethroat is regular (as they are around London) but there are always quite a few people there.

You're probably not going to see Short-eared Owl in Kent this time of year. If they are present anywhere it will be Sheppey, particularly Elmley.

[Deb London]

Thanks aeshna5.

I did look at a map of Blean Woods as that suggested a few spp. of interest to me. If you or anyone else knows a good place to start, please let me know, as the woods are rather extensive.

Thanks.

[KentYeti]

Deb, walking for miles in Kent with seeing no one for me means on top of the North Downs. The area near where I live can provide that, (North and North West of of Birling over on the Northern side of the Downs), but I don't think it has the rich variety of wildlife that you want.

Recently the birdlife at Stodmarsh Reserve, (I park at the Grove Ferry end), has been very good. A lot of Hobbys there still, (45 reported yesterday), and everyone bar me sees a perching Kingfisher! There are six pairs of Marsh Harriers there, nearly always hunting. Several Cuckoos, but I' ve only heard and not seen them. Turtle Doves. Lots of warbler noises from the reeds. And all sorts of other birdlife. Been overflown by a Honey Buzzard and and Osprey in the last week. Barn Owls have been seen recently, but no SSE. One of those was still on the Isle of Sheppey yesterday, near the Harty Ferry Road.

But Stodmarsh is not the woodland you want! Mainly marshland of course.

[Deb London]

Thanks very much for the suggestions, KY.

Would love to see a Turtle Dove.

[aeshna5]

Originally Posted by Deb London

Thanks very much for the suggestions, KY.

Would love to see a Turtle Dove.

If you decide to got to Stodmarsh (+ I guess it would be quieter in the week,; I only ever get there on a weekend) Turtle Doves are usually at the Grove Ferry end, often singing in the large Hawthorns there. I only saw one on my visit a fortnight ago but it was a good view + lovely to hear. Usually a couple of singing Nightingales, but never easy to see here, lots of Cetti's Warblers.

Should be plenty of Marsh Harriers + a few Hobbies still.

Good for Odonata with Variable Damselfly often the commonest of the little blue jobs. Plenty of Hairy Dragonflies too.

[Deb London]

Thanks aeshna5. I have never knowingly seen 3 of the species you mention.

[snake]

Hi Deb,

If you decide to visit Sheppey get in touch. You can walk around my patch for a week and not see a soul.
Just the skylarks singing, marshland and wide open spaces,
Plenty of activity in the ditches with frogs and insects, Marsh Harriers about all day long and the Barn Owl out hunting on good evenings.
We also have a small family run hotel in the village where I can arrange preferential rates if required.

Phil

[Deb London]

Thanks Phil
I'm not sure if we will go to Sheppey but will be in touch if we do.
Deb

[lgswaff]

You could try the Greensands way that follows the Greesands ridge

Picasa Web Albums - Les Swaffer
some of my shots from there are here