Kent in January

[pduxon]

ok I had been planning a long weekend up in Norfolk in January BUT as Robin has kindly organised Dungemeet in January I'm contemplating a long weekend down there instead.

Now what is there to do in Kent in January?!?! Will Rye Harbour be good? - well its not in Kent ;) , sorry Robin

[robinm]

ok I had been planning a long weekend up in Norfolk in January BUT as Robin has kindly organised Dungemeet in January I'm contemplating a long weekend down there instead.

Now what is there to do in Kent in January?!?! Will Rye Harbour be good? - well its not in Kent ;) , sorry RobinI love Rye Harbour although you will see much the same species as at Dunge. It is good for Short-eared Owls and the view as the Bitterns come into roost is excellent.

Sheppey is excellent at that time of year and has to be one of the top spots for raptors in the country in winter. Marsh and Hen Harriers, Short-eared Owls, Common and RL Buzzard, Merlin, Peregrine. Plus large numbers of wildfowl.

Stodmarsh/Grove Ferry also good for raptors and always worth a visit.

Oare Marshes are good at anytime of year. Again good for raptors.

Bedgebury Pinetum for hawfinch.

The list goes on. Haven't got time to write any more now.

As it happens I'm off to Norfolk this weekend.

[Tim100]

What about Elmley RSPB (Sheppey), Cliffe (or somewhere near there) and Seasalter.

Don't think much of Stodmarsh but others may like it.

[florall]

What about Elmley RSPB (Sheppey),

And at Elmley they're again doing their raptor Landrover tours on Sunday mornings throughout the winter. Haven't been on it myself, but will do sometime. See the RSPB website for details.

[Richard D]

I haven't been to Elmley in years but last time I went it was superb. Stodmarsh/Grove Ferry can be great for wildfowl in winter and always has something to delight - alternatively/additionally if you're happy without a hide Westbere lakes further towards Canterbury has a similar mix to Stodmarsh and can be quieter (let me know if you want directions). Oare Marshes are always good (and I can provide local pub details!).
If woodland birds are your thing both East and West Blean Woods north of Canterbury are well worth a visit (let me know if you want directions!). Reculver is generally worth a look (ask if you want directions). The Wye downs provide great walks if you fancy a bit of chalk downland. The parks in Thanet should yield a rose-ringed parakeet...

Let me know if you want further details

Richard

[Mickymouse]

Don't forget to consider Pegwell bay and the close by Sandwich bay BTO observatory they have a web site at http://www.sbbo.co.uk/index.htm

Mick