Lower leas Coastal Park
Search for incoming migrants on the edge of England
The Lower Leas Coastal Park is one of the hidden jewels of public parks in the south of England and is unique in being situated on a cliff slip, which occurred long ago, in 1784, between Sandgate and Folkestone harbour. Paths laid down from the bandstand on The Leas during the Victorian era onwards, included the famous ‘zig-zag path’ to access the beach and coastal promenade. Extensive work was carried out in the early years of this century creating the awardwinning park as it is today. The laying of formal gardens, an avenue of Holm Oaks and shrub planting has complemented an existing woodland on the under-cliff, along with an amphitheatre and outdoor activity area for children who visit. Despite being well used by the public there is still much for the birder to enjoy, providing you visit early morning. Passage warblers having crossed the English Channel overnight often drop into the bushes and trees in the park along with a chance of a Redstart or Firecrest, while incoming hirundines and Swifts coast overhead. Owing to its geographical position, there is always the possibility of finding something much rarer, as the park is very under-watched. During an onshore wind an early morning seawatch off Mill Point is highly recommended, as migrating seabirds moving up-channel are blown closer to shore. Scarcities, such as Blackthroated Diver, Velvet Scoter, Eider, Black Tern and Pomarine Skua, are sometimes recorded among the commoner seabirds, ducks and waders. Folkestone harbour is worth checking at low tide which also offers up the opportunity
to scan the coastline towards Dover for any raptors on the move. Paul trodd