HAMSTREET WOODS
A woodland walk in Nightingale country
The woodlands around Hamstreet are fragments of the old wildwood that once extended across the Low Weald of Kent and Sussex. Today much of the woodland to the north of Hamstreet is designated a National Nature Reserve, with an emphasis on Ash, Hazel and Hornbeam beloved by Nightingales, of which there remains a small population. Mature Oak and Ash harbour a few Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers and Marsh Tits, although both are difficult to find and in decline. The most abundant summer migrants are Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps, along with a few pairs of Willow and Garden
Warblers in plantation scrub, while Spotted Flycatchers are few and far between, as are Turtle Dove and Cuckoo. You could also Buzzard, Red Kite and Sparrowhawk, with a chance of a Goshawk or Honey Buzzard in early and late spring respectively.
WHERE TO WATCH
1 From the car park, check the field towards the railway for Green Woodpecker, Mistle Thrush, Stock Dove, Pied Wagtail, corvids and Jay. Goldfinch, tits and thrushes are often attracted to adjacent gardens, while the brook is good for Moorhen and the occasional Grey Wagtail.
2 The woodland canopy harbours migrant Chiffchaff and Blackcap, plus common tits and finches, Goldcrest, Nuthatch, Treecreeper and a chance of Marsh Tit. While all three species of woodpecker are present, Lesser Spotted is scarce and best sought for when ‘drumming’ in early spring before leaf cover. Coppiced areas and clearings can attract a few summering Nightingales, Lesser Whitethroats, Willow and Garden Warblers, plus resident Bullfinch and Long-tailed Tit. Tawny Owls are active at dusk when there is also the possibility of a Woodcock displaying overhead.
3 Scan the woodland canopy to the east for soaring Buzzard, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel, plus Red Kite, Hobby and feeding Swifts and hirundines. Farmland fields and hedgerows can attract Stock Dove, Skylark, Meadow Pipit, Lesser Whitethroat and Whitethroat, Yellowhammer, Linnet and Bullfinch. Check dead trees for Little Owl and field edges for Red-legged Partridge.
4 Search for birds feeding along the woodland edge. A good area for a Spotted Flycatcher and maybe a Cuckoo or Turtle Dove. Check conifers for Goldcrest, Coal Tit and the chance of Lesser Redpoll and Firecrest.