Whitstable Harbour to West Beach
| Leave
Whitstable harbour, head west along the sea wall footpath by way of
Reeves Beach, The Horsebridge, Marine Terrace, Wave Crest and on to
West Beach. This first part of the walk is not the most interesting
for wildlife as the beach was built up to improve the sea defences.
However a number of interesting plants have begun to re-colonise the
shingle recently.
West beach is totally different. There you will find a variety of plants. Look out for Yellow-horned Poppy, Sea Sandwort and a few plants of Sea Holly. There are also one or two clumps of the rare Sea Pea. At low tide a variety of wading birds can be seen along the shore particularly in the winter months, the most obvious being Turnstones and Oystercatchers. On the upper shore Snow Buntings can occasionally be seen. A copy of the Society’s book "Birds of the Oyster Coast" would be an excellent companion on this walk, as it gives details of all the birds you are likely to see and at what times of the year to see them. At the western end of West Beach turn inland, crossing the railway bridge at the bottom of Sherrins Alley. Start walking up Sherrins Alley and turn immediately left along the footpath. This will take you to Prospect Field. Continue along the footpath and cross the next railway bridge. Turn left and follow the path across the golf course. In the summer months look out for Peacock and Tortoiseshell butterflies. After crossing the golf course you can rejoin the sea wall and retrace your steps to the harbour. |
Flowers on West Beach |
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Cormorant being harassed by a gull for the fish it has just caught. A scene along the South Swale captured by the artist. Mike Roser. |
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