STONE-IN-OXNEY

Seek out summer migrants on the Rother flood plain

The village of Stone-inoxney is situated on the eastern edge of the Isle of Oxney and bordered on three sides by the Royal Military Canal, the floodplain of the River Rother and Shirley Moor, the western ‘arm’ of Walland Marsh. Before the marshes were drained Oxney would have been cut off at high tide, accessible only by ferry, but something of the old island feel remains to this day, despite being linked by country lanes. This is a walk of contrasting scenery from the small fields and hedgerows around the village with its paddocks and orchards, plus arable farmland, copses and, most importantly from a birding point of view, the watercourse of the Rother and the Royal Military Canal, complete with lush marginal herbaceous growth. As a result, and at this time of year with summer migrants present, a wide range of species is assured. The riverside section is best for warblers such as Reed, Sedge and Cetti’s, while Cuckoo and Turtle Dove are often noted here. Listen out for the odd Nightingale in cover along the canal and check the sloping scrubland on the ‘island’ rim for the likes of a late passage Redstart, Whinchat or Wheatear. Regular scanning from viewpoints along the route can yield results and while Buzzard should be the most obvious large raptor, Red Kites are often noted, plus the occasional Honey Buzzard. Look for large flocks of Swifts and hirundines feeding high over the distant woodland canopy of the Low Weald. A pleasant summer walk that can throw up one or two surprises and suitable for taking along a well behaved canine companion.