Stodmarsh & Grove Ferry National Nature Reserves - Kent.

Stodmarsh ( TR221609) is located east of Stodmarsh village ( 9 km East of Canterbury). Take the track besides the small village green next to the Red Lion Inn. There is a reserve car park at the end of the track (500 meters) with hard standing spaces next to the toilets reserved for Orange Badge holders.
Grove Ferry (TR238631) is about 500 metres from the A28, Canterbury to Thanet road. There is a tarmaced Car Park next to the pub. The reserve entrance is by the road, so take care going from the car park to the entrance as there is no pavement, it is a very busy road and this is on a blind bend. Wheelchair users will have no option but to travel on the road, whereas pedestrians can at least walk on the verge. An option would be to drop off the wheelchair user at the entrance, but this could still be dodgy.

Facilities: Toilets: at Stodmarsh ( Radar) & Grove Ferry. Pubs at both sites. Picnic area at Grove Ferry. Guide dogs only allowed on the Nature Trail. All dogs on lead allowed on the public footpath. A reserve leaflet detailing accessible routes is available on site or from the contact address.

Contact: English Nature, Coldhabour Farm, Wye, Ashford, Kent, TN25 5DB - Tel: 01233 812525.

Opening Hours & Admission: No charges, always open.

From Stodmarsh Car Park: There is one long fully accessible Nature Trail - 1100 metres - This can be shortened to 600 metres. Both ultimately lead to the "Reed Bed" Hide, again fully accessible, and then in a circular route back to the Car Park . There are benches located in resting places. The Trail goes through woodland, by ponds, through reed beds and by open water. The rarities may be found at the Grove Ferry end, but this trail delivers first class birdwatching. Listen out for Bearded Tits, Cetti's Warbler, Water Rail and Turtle Dove. I've had stunning views of Bittern, Hen Harrier and Merlin. There is a footpath that leads along the Great Stour river to Grove Ferry. (3 km from the Nature Trail) This is not wheelchair accessible and although there are no obstructions, it is very narrow for long stretches with no resting or passing places.

From Grove Ferry Car Park: Nature Trail 640 metres one way. This path takes you from the road through he recently acquired turf fields, this wetland was restored in 1998 and has provided a glut of rarities! The path is excellent for the first 300 metres bringing you to a level mound ( accessed via a ramp) giving great views of the surrounding area. After this, the surface changes to a level grass bank which may be difficult in wet weather, this leads to the "Turf Fields" Hide (also known as the Green Hide) which is accessible. Beyond that the path becomes very uneven with steep sides. Wheelchair users will have to return the same way. Others may wish to complete a mini circular route back to the Grove Ferry Car Park via the Great Stour river footpath.

If you want to make further comments or need any other information, please contact us by email: dba.access@virgin.net