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Description
Cliffe Pools is a series of former gravel pits. Lots of flat paths around the pools - some exposed, some with scrubby bushes surrounding them (packed with common garden birds). Also large expanses of grassland - good for flocks of Northern Lapwing , plus hunting Short-eared Owl and Western Marsh Harrier . Many resident waterbirds, including many grebes, Avocet , Common Kingfisher , many other ducks and waders. In winter wader and duck numbers build up on the pools and lagoons, with impressive high-tide roosts of up to 7,000 Dunlin, 2,000 Northern Lapwing, amongst other species such as Common Redshank and Grey Plover. Wet winters can see up to 3,000 dabbling ducks (teals, wigeons, shovelers, mallards, gadwalls and pintails) mainly on the northern pools.
Walks along the estuary mean lots more can be seen on the tidal mud - plus some interesting features of old/abandoned forts, and a working gravel/sand extraction site.
Details
Access
Follow directions for Cliffe village, take the second left after the round, stone 'Cliffe' village sign (into Rectory Road). Then turn right at the next T-junction and after 600 metres turn left into Salt Lane. Continue along Salt Lane until the road bends sharply to the right - the car park is situated on the left-hand side. Remote from much public transport, although there are buses: Bus 133 from Chatham, Rochester and Strood stops in Cliffe. The nearest trainstations are Higham (3 miles/5 km away), and Strood (5 miles/8 km away). The area is definitely easy to explore on foot. Paths are wheelchair/pushchair friendly. Address: RSPB Cliffe Pools, Salt Ln, Rochester ME3 7SX. Click on the P in the map to get directions. The circular walk around the area, indicated on the map below, is about 6 km long
Terrain and Habitat
Wetland , Lake , Mud flats , Scattered trees and bushes , Grassland , RiverConditions
Flat , High water possibleCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
Can be usefulGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
WinterRoute
Wide path , Narrow trailDifficulty walking trail
EasyAccessible by
Foot , Bicycle , WheelchairBirdwatching hide / platform
NoExtra info
From the website: winter visitors include: The occasional Greater Scaup or Red-necked Grebe, Black-necked Grebe or Slavonian Grebe may also make an appearance.