Specialities

New Hythe has earned a reputation as one of the best inland birding locations in Kent. Close to the western edge of the site is where the famed Golden Winged Warbler was found – a first for the Western Paleartic. More regularly the area attracts:

Wintering Bittern – often 2-3 during cold spells

Large numbers of Smew – 17 birds including 5 drakes in 1999/2000

Up to 5 Cettis Warbler

One of the highest breeding densities of Nightingale in the UK

A regular roost of Long Eared Owl

Good numbers of Water Rail

Goldeneye, Goosander, & Mediterranean Gull in Winter

Heronry

Rarities and scarcities over the years have included :

Red Rumped Swallow
Penduline Tit
Ferruginous Duck
Waxwing
Marsh Warbler
All the scarcer grebes and Divers
Great Grey Shrike
Firecrest

On a visit at any time of the year you can expect to see around 40 different species of bird. In spring as many as 60 different species can be seen in this relatively small area with 9-10 species of warbler easy to locate in May.

Other Wildlife

On a visit to New Hythe you are likely to see a good variety of other wildlife including:

Mammals

Fox
Stoat
Weasel
Rabbit
Badger
Water Vole

Reptiles

Grass Snake
Slow worm

Butterflies

Ringlet
Speckled Wood
Small Tortoiseshell
Red Admiral
Painted Lady
Large and Small White
Common Blue
Holly Blue
Common Skippers

Orchids

Southern Marsh Orchid

Bee Orchid

Pyramidal Orchid