Stodmarsh National Nature Reserve, National nature reserve in Kent, England
Stodmarsh National Nature Reserve is a protected site in Kent covering about 250 hectares with reed beds, alder woodland, wet meadows, and open water. These different habitats together support diverse bird populations and other wildlife throughout the year.
The River Stour valley once served as flood meadows for grazing cattle until coal mining caused ground subsidence and created shallow lakes. These new water bodies later became the foundation for the protected site we see today.
Research by The King's School Canterbury in the late 1940s brought scientific attention to the area, leading to its designation as protected land.
The reserve has about 6 kilometers of paths, with some sections accessible for wheelchairs and basic facilities at the main car park. You can plan a few hours to walk the trails and enjoy the different areas at a comfortable pace.
The site holds the largest reed bed system in southern England, which provides crucial shelter for rare birds like bitterns and marsh harriers. This extensive reed bed makes it a key location for protecting species that are difficult to find elsewhere in the region.
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