A pair of RSPB nature reserves on the North Kent Marshes has recorded their highest count of two fantastic birds, the charity can reveal.
Cliffe Pools, which is holding a free family open day on Sunday 25 May, has seen a record number of nightingales on site. A total of 16 males has been counted of this famous songster.
David James, from the RSPB North Kent Marshes team, said: 'Our Northward Hill reserve has always been seen as the place to go to enjoy nightingales, but if this trend continues Cliffe Pools could give Northward Hill a run for its money. We hope local families will come down to our Open Day on Sunday, and get to hear the nightingales themselves.'
Meanwhile, RSPB Elmley Marshes on Sheppey is teeming with a record number of avocets, the bird that is well-known as the RSPB's logo.
A total of 116 pairs have been counted, alongside 110 pairs of redshanks and 65 pairs of lapwings.
David, who witnessed the spectacle at RSPB Elmley Marshes, said: 'I was with the warden, doing something completely unconnected, when we looked up and realised there was this amazing sight in front of us.'
'There were hundreds of birds everywhere. At one point a coot got among the avocets. A giant group of them began to gang up on it, making an almighty grunting noise, and saw it off. It was really high drama, amazing stuff.'
Visitors to the Cliffe Pools Open Day will be treated to a brand new 'drop – in' art workshop, guided walks, children's activities and a barbeque. You can even meet the Cliffe Pools jellyfish!
The Open Day runs from 11am to 4pm and people are welcome to drop in when they want; entry is free. The event is being held on Salt Lane, and will be signed from the B2000 north of Rochester. For further information, contact the North Kent Marshes team on 01634 222480.
The Open Day is also a chance for people to hear the latest news as the RSPB develops Cliffe Pools as a flagship visitor destination. In January this year, more than £1.7 million was secured from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) with help from the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) towards the next stage of the project.
Full article can be found via the RSPB website.