Rate birdingplace West Wood - Hedgecock Wood - Park Wood
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West Wood, Hedgecock Wood and Park Wood are all North West of the seaside town of Felixstowe in Kent.
A large area of woodland managed by the Forestry Commission, whilst the woodland is mostly coniferous, there are areas of deciduous trees for added interest.
(*1) (press STAR on map), the woodland North of the car park is called Park Wood, this ever changing part of woodland has some clear-felled areas with scrubland making it good for Usignolo and Forapaglie macchiettato, other clear areas have Prispolone, Luì grosso, Beccafico, Sterpazzola, Ciuffolotto and Zigolo giallo. At dusk Beccaccia and Allocco are a distinct possibility. Dense areas of conifers have Cincia mora, Fiorrancino and Regolo.
(*2), the long central firebreak consisting of conifers and some good areas of deciduous trees, can have Tortora selvatica, Pigliamosche and Cuculo during Summer. Later in the year the ever secretive Beccaccia can also be found here. More mature conifer areas have Fiorrancino, Regolo, Cincia mora and Lucherino, listen out for the calls of Crociere comune high-up in the canopy.
(*3), farmland and hedgerows on the Eastern side of the woodland (there is a short out and back footpath), can have Sterpazzola, Bigiarella, Luì grosso, with Rondone comune and Rondine feeding over fields in Summer. Zigolo giallo, Fanello , Cardellino and Ciuffolotto can be found here, check field edges for Pernice rossa and Civetta.
(*4), this Hedgecock Wood section of both woodland and open fields has Allocco, Picchio verde, Picchio rosso maggiore, Colombella, Tordela, Rampichino alpestre, Ghiandaia, Cincia bigia, Codibugnolo. During Spring/Summer expect Usignolo, Cuculo and Tortora selvatica.
In the South on the M20 Motorway (from South East London to Folkstone), leave at Junction 11 signed Canterbury B2068, continue on this road that eventually becomes very straight. Alternatively from the City of Canterbury (in the North), head South on Nackington Road signed Hythe B2068 (on the East side of Kent Cricket Ground). From either direction turn East in small village of Selling Minnie signed Rhodes Minnie/Elham. The large car park (free) is on this road. NOTE entrance has height restriction barrier.