Restharrow Nature Reserve
Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory Trust (SBBOT)
Please Click Below for more ...
Restharrow
Slow Worm
Elms Extension
Conservation Status:
- Part of the Sandwich Bay and Hacklinge Marshes SSSI.
The Elms Extension was puchased by SBBOT as part of the Restharrow package, and the hope was that the Elms themselves could partly colonise the area, mainly through suckering. Additional planting of native tree species also took place.
The area now blends seamlessly with the original 'Elms', and the aim is to maintain a protective shield of trees for the Elms, whilst increasing the number of grass duneland glades.
As one of the few areas having closed canopy scrub, the Elms Extension often holds tired migrants and can often hold the largest concentrations of passerines in the autumn.
It is a regular site for Pallas's Warbler, Yellow-browed Warbler and Firecrest. As a recognised 'out-station', ringing does sometimes take place here, mostly in autumn - please look out for notices and respect any instructions from ringers.
Rarities have included birds such as Olive-backed Pipit.
The area is good for reptiles, including Grass Snake and Slow Worm (right) . Interesting insects include Goat Moth and several Clearwing species.
