I have been aware for several years (thanks to Malcolm and Sally) that Kent is a key area in the UK for stag beetles, and that in a lot of the country they are extinct. However, I have no recollection of seeing one in my garden but I did find a lesser stag beetle the other […]
We’ve been hearing about potential building development at Conyer for years. It seems it is now moving forward with an application for 24 dwellings together with associated infrastructure, open space, landscaping, access works and bird viewing tower. The area has breeding turtle dove and nightingale, along with a host of other species which are there […]
Many of you will have been aware of the proposed theme park development at Swanscombe Marshes which has been discussed for several years. This is an area that we have visited as a group and several of our members are regular visitors. Some might remember Peter Beckenham guiding us around on one of our early […]
On a blustery and damp day thirteen of us met to explore this hidden gem tucked away just north of Sevenoaks and south of the M26. The reserve is based around several large lakes, left over from gravel workings in the last century and includes areas of varied woodland and open fields. The river Darent […]
The first of this month’s outings was to be at Dungeness on Sunday 9th February. Unfortunately storm Ciara had other ideas, heading for us on the same day. Having decided to bring the meeting forward a day we hoped that anyone who wanted to come would see the email – many apologies if […]
Updated information for entry to Elmley: There will be a warden on the gate as you arrive. Please mention that you are with the Gravesend Group and there will be a reduced charge of £2.50 per car – you will receive a ticket which should be displayed on the dashboard of the car. Friends of […]
Several members of the group have recently seen sparrowhawk in the garden. Some of the birds have been particularly gregarious, staying around and seeming almost curious around the human occupants, maybe young birds? I tend to see sparrowhawk in the garden more often in the autumn than the rest of the year, this is […]
A bright start to a winters day at Elmley on Saturday, where 18 members of the group met up. Enjoying the drive along the entrance track had already given us excellent sightings of marsh harrier, buzzard, several hundred lapwing, ruff (including one which seemed to already be gaining its white breeding plumage), black-tailed godwit and […]