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Description
Old Park is an excellent site within walking distance of Canterbury, making it a good site for birding tourists visiting the city particularly in spring/summer. The wooded areas (especially Chequers Wood) hold Macskabagoly, Barátposzáta, Kerti poszáta, sárgafejű királyka, tüzesfejű királyka, Hegyi fakusz, Nagy fakopáncs and all the common woodland species. The more open areas have Kenderike, kis poszáta, Mezei poszáta and a good population of Fülemüle. The latter has one of the densest populations in the county here.
Zöld küllo can often be found in lightly wooded areas around the acid grassland areas feeding on ants. A few Vadgerle persist aided by conservation work by the nearby golf course. Raptors include vörös vércse, Egerészölyv and Karvaly with occasional visits in spring by Kabasólyom and less often Vörös kánya. In winter check the Alders (around the pond and towards the end of the cycle route) for Csíz and Barna zsezse.
Details
Access
It is possible to walk to Old Park from the city centre entering via Brymore Road (behind the Prince of Wales Youth Club) via the National Cycle Route or by following Chaucer Road past the Law Courts. By bus alight at Canterbury Golf Club (Services 11, 43 & 43A) cross the road and walk up Villiers Road to enter the area. This is also convenient for Canterbury Camping & Caravanning site nearby in Bekesbourne Lane. All these points are accessible by car but the best option is parking at the end of Villiers Road. It is also possible to enter from Fordwich following the National Cycle Route.
The circular walking route indicated on the map is about 4 km.
Terrain and Habitat
Forest , Scattered trees and bushes , Grassland , PondConditions
Hilly , Sandy , Open landscapeCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
NoGood birding season
Spring , SummerBest time to visit
SpringRoute
Narrow trail , Unpaved roadDifficulty walking trail
Average walkAccessible by
Foot , BicycleBirdwatching hide / platform
NoExtra info
Old Park is heavily used by dog walkers and, at weekends, youths on motorbikes. An early start is helpful. The site is under threat from developers and the subject of a local campaign to save it. For more details see below.