Spot the birdie
– step out at Stodmarsh
Ask anyone who knows Stodmarsh National Nature Reserve
well and they will be sure to tell you what a gem it is, a true wildlife
mecca. If such superlatives don’t convince you then its pedigree of
designations surely must. The site covers 241 ha of wetland, characterised
by extensive reed-beds and lakes, it is a Special Protection Area and also
a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention. On top
of this, the reserve is managed by English Nature as a National Nature
Reserve, one of just 215 in England. Despite all of this, it often amazes
me how many people within the district of Canterbury are yet to discover
this haven for wildlife right on their doorstep.
However, this is not so for the birdwatchers of the
country, for ‘Stodie’, as it is fondly known by many, has long
attracted hoards of ‘birders’ and ‘twichers’ in every season, with
marked influxes whenever the site adds another rare bird to an ever
growing list. Although such star attractions are a big draw to many,
Stodmarsh is perhaps more precious for several species of national
importance, including marsh and hen harrier, bearded reedling, cetti's
warbler and bittern. The area also supports many invertebrates, including
some scarce species of dragonflies and moths; likewise there are many
interesting plants to be found in the freshwater dykes.
The nature reserve encompasses a wide range of wetland
habitats, however, Stodmarsh is best known for its extensive reed-beds,
being the largest in the southeast of England. The bearded reedling breeds
here in significant numbers and the bittern, currently an annual winter
visitor, is a likely future breeder; both species are wholly dependent on
the reed-bed for their existence. Other reed-bed inhabitants include
migrant reed and sedge warblers and also reed bunting and the elusive
water rail.
During autumn migration the reed-beds are used by many
thousands of swallow and sand martin as a stop-off during their return
journey to Africa. Such large congregations of birds can attract birds of
prey looking to take advantage of this well stocked larder; peregrine
falcon, its smaller cousin the hobby, and sparrowhawk have all been seen.
Winter roosts of starling are predated upon in a similar fashion. By this
time of year the hobby has left for warmer climes but its place may be
taken by short-eared owl and bittern, both have been known to pluck
starlings from their fortress of reeds! Birds of prey not only use the
reed-bed as a source of food but as a safe haven too; up to a dozen hen
harrier return each year using the reeds as a communal roost site, these
are joined by wintering marsh harriers which also occur as a breeding
species.
The wet grazing meadows are home to breeding waders and
wildfowl, these include mallard, shoveler, lapwing, redshank, snipe and in
recent years the garganey, sometimes described as the ‘summer teal’.
During spring and autumn the meadows attract migrant waders, in
particular, greenshank, ruff, black-tailed godwit, whimbrel, spotted
redshank and green sandpiper. Winter sees flooding in some areas, this in
turn attracts large numbers of waterfowl with wigeon, teal, pintail and
white-fronted geese regularly recorded.
The large expanses of water also attract numerous bird
species, many of which come to feast on the fish within; common tern,
little and great crested grebe and the ‘electric blue’ kingfisher are
all regular visitors. But high on the ‘must see’ list of any
birdwatcher has to be a chance encounter with that master fisherman the
osprey, during the autumn one or two birds often pause as they return to
their winter quarters in Africa.
As you can see Stodmarsh really has so much to offer
anyone interested in wildlife and what’s more at any time of year.
Whether you’re a hard core twicher or casual observer of wildlife you
really ought to tick ‘Stodie’ off you list!
The site is open all year: Free entrance and parking is
possible from either Grove Ferry or Stodmarsh. There is a regular bus
service from Canterbury to Margate/Ramsgate. Alight at Upstreet for Grove
Ferry. (Hourly Sundays). A circular walk can be started from either the
Stodmarsh or Grove Ferry end, it is approximately 5 kilometres long and
gives good views over all the reserve and encompasses all 5 bird hides.
For further information contact: English Nature Tel: 01233 812525.
Jason Mitchell, Canterbury Countryside Officer
