SEASALTER LEVEL
Marshland walk overlooking the North Sea
Situated to the west of Whitstable, Seasalter Level is a relatively remote section of the North Kent Marshes overlooking The Oaze, a wader-rich habitat of intertidal mudflats. To the west, looms the Isle of Sheppey and the Swale Channel, which can yield passage skuas, terns and other seabirds, even this early in the season, given a north-easterly gale.
The circular walk takes in mixed arable and grazing farmland bisected by drainage ditches, scrub and hedgerows and partly follows the nationally acclaimed Saxon Shore Way long distance footpath.
The coastal section of the walk at high tide can be good for terns, including Little and Sandwich among the
abundant Common Terns, while there is always an outside chance of an Arctic, or rarer still a Roseate Tern. A low tide scan across the mud flats for waders should result in the likes of adult Knot, Bar-tailed Godwit and Grey Plover on passage, many of which will still be in their breeding finery. Unimproved grazing land supports declining breeding birds such as Lapwing, Yellow Wagtail and Sky Lark, while reed-fringed ditches attract Cetti’s Warbler and the occasional Bearded Tit.
In high summer, large flocks of Swifts, Swallows and martins plunder the clouds of flying insects, which in turn attract Hobbies.
This circular walk is best attempted when light winds are forecast, as it greatly improves the variety of birds on offer. As the majority of the route is on metaled lanes and tracks, it is suitable for anybody with mobility issues.