Restharrow Nature Reserve
Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory Trust (SBBOT)
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Little Gully
Little Gully
Conservation Status:
- Part of the Sandwich Bay and Hacklinge Marshes SSSI.
High priority species :
- Creeping Willow (Salix arenaria)
- Twayblade (Listera ovata)
- Adder's-Tongue Fern (Ophioglossum vulgatum)
- Marsh Helleborine (Epipactis plaustris)
- Spotted Orchid (Dactylorhiza fuchsii)
- Sea-Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides)
- Early Hair-grass (Aria praecox)
- Sand Cats-Tail (Phleum areneum)
- A Micro moth (Stigmella repentillia) - only site in Britain for the record - found only on the Creeping Willow.
- Earth Star (Geastrum triplex)
The intention was for this Gully to be part of the Ancient Cut back in the 1740s, as a turning area for barges, but the funding ran out.
Sea-Buckthorn now dominates the rim of the Gully, and has to be controlled as many of the other high priority species have statutory protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1984.
It is therefore necessary to restrict general public access to this Gully, but guided walks often take place so the public can enjoy these specialities. Members may enter, but must stay to the designated paths. This year (2006), the lower path is being rested and a new path has been marked out on raised ground on the northern side of the Gully.
As well as spectacular plants, the Little Gully has produced spectacular birds over the years, including Marsh Warbler, Radde's Warbler and Penduline Tit.
