A gem of unspoilt woodland with great birds
Situated to the west of the Isle of Thanet on a flood plain of two rivers, Chislet Marshes is a part of the environmentally important wetland known as the North Kent Marshes. Habitats include a combination of arable and grazing land bisected by a complex series of drainage ditches and channels, some with marginal reedbeds and scrub. During periods of heavy winter rain much of the land floods and the wide open spaces can attract large numbers of geese, swans and ducks, plus waders and birds of prey.
WHERE TO WATCH
1 Opposite the car park scan the wet fields for flocks of Lapwing and Golden Plover along with attendant corvids, Stock Dove and Starlings. Redwing and Fieldfare are sometimes present, plus Wigeon, Teal, Gadwall, Green Sandpiper, Snipe, Little and Great White Egrets on flooded shallows. Marsh and Hen Harriers are likely and, at dusk, Barn Owl.
2
Check the arable land for a chance of Curlew, Redshank or Ruff among flocks of Lapwing and Golden Plover. Red-legged Partridge, feral Greylag, Egyptian and Canada Geese are also likely, and is a good area for a party of genuinely wild White-fronted Geese or Bewick’s Swans. Weedy margins can attract finch and bunting flocks, including Corn Bunting, plus Stonechat, while drainage ditches lure the likes of Little Egret, Grey Heron, Little Grebe, Green Sandpiper, Kingfisher, Grey Wagtail, Cetti’s Warbler and Water Rail. Harriers, Buzzard and Merlin are also likely.
3 Another good viewpoint across Chislet Marshes to the south and the River Wantsum flood plain to the north for observing the comings and goings of wildfowl and waders. Hunting birds of prey may include Hen Harrier, Peregrine and Short-eared Owl among the commoner species.
4 Check the paddocks and an old orchard for flocks of Redwing, Fieldfare, Blackbird, Song and Mistle Thrushes and Ringnecked Parakeet; also a chance of Green Woodpecker, Stock Dove, Little Owl, finches and buntings. The bridge over the drainage ditch is another good spot for Little Egret, Grey Heron, Moorhen, Water Rail, Reed Bunting and Cetti’s Warbler. Scan across farmland at Marshside for feral geese, corvids, finches, Sky Lark, Meadow Pipit and winter thrushes. Barn Owl hunt here at dusk.