HEMSTED FOREST
A woodland walk in Nightjar country
Hemsted Forest is part of a former ancient wildwood that once stretched uninterrupted across the Weald of Kent and Sussex. Today, it is managed by the Forestry Commission. Stands of mature deciduous survive to support the declining Lesser Spotted Woodpecker and Marsh Tit. Summer attracts a few pairs of Nightjar and Tree Pipit to recently felled plantations, plus scrub warblers and Nightingale. Scanning across the woodland canopy may yield scarce raptors such as Honey Buzzard and Goshawk.
WHERE TO WATCH
1
Check the broadleaf trees around the car park for spotted woodpeckers, tits, Nuthatch and Treecreeper. From the elevated clearing to the south, scan above the canopy for soaring raptors such as Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel and Hobby, plus Jay, and feeding hirundines and Swift. Woodland edge attracts tits, finches, Mistle Thrush, Stock Dove, Chiffchaff and Blackcap.
2
The large clearing is a prime spot for Nightjar activity around dusk, also a chance of ‘roding’ Woodcock, song flighting Tree Pipit and hunting Tawny Owl. Woodland margins attract singing Blackcap, Chiffchaff and Spotted Flycatcher; while recent plantations support Willow and Garden Warblers, Whitethroat and Lesser Whitethroat, Yellowhammer, Bullfinch, Reed Bunting and a chance of Nightingale. Mature conifers support Goldcrest, Firecrest and Coal Tit, with a chance of Siskin and Crossbill.
3
Check the nearby forest cottage garden bird feeders for Great Spotted Woodpecker, Nuthatch and a chance of Marsh Tit. The eastern arm of the forest affords views over open country and another opportunity to scan for birds on the move. Hedgerows attract, Whitethroat, Yellowhammer, Linnet and Bullfinch. Check paddocks for Green Woodpecker and Pied Wagtail.