A loop walk in the Great Stour valley
Situated between Ashford and Canterbury just off the A28, the Godmersham loop road affords good access for birdwatchers with limited mobility as much of it can be completed from a surfaced lane. Positioned on the southern edge of the North Downs, beside Godmersham Park, the river Great Stour meanders across a narrow floodplain flanked by bank-side trees and large wooded gardens.
The road bridge affords panoramic views along the watercourse and back north-west towards King’s
Wood. The churchyard attracted a number of Hawfinches in the irruption autumn of 2018.
WHERE TO WATCH
1
Check the wood pile field and scrub opposite the church for outgoing Redwing and Fieldfare, plus Blackbird, Song and Mistle Thrushes, tit and finch flocks. Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Jay, Tawny Owl, Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Green and Great Spotted Woodpeckers are present in the woodland. The churchyard trees have attracted Hawfinches, but Goldcrest, Firecrest, winter thrushes, finches and tits are more likely. An early Chiffchaff or Blackcap is also possible.
2
Scan the watercourse for Kingfisher, Grey and Pied Wagtails, Moorhen, Grey Heron, Little Egret, Stonechat, Reed Bunting and an early Sand Martin, Riverside alders can attract flocks of Goldfinch with an outside chance of Lesser Redpoll and Siskin.
3
Field margins and hedges are good for Stonechat and Bullfinch, plus flocks of Linnet, Goldfinch and Chaffinch; plus Sparrowhawk and Kestrel. Scan the open parkland for winter thrushes, Sky Lark, Meadow Pipit, Mistle Thrush and Green Woodpecker.