Whitehouse Paddock
Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory Trust (SBBOT)
Whitehouse Paddock
Conservation Status:
- Part of the Sandwich Bay and Hacklinge Marshes SSSI.
High priority species :
- Yellow Bartsia (Parentucella viscosa)
- Yellow Rattle (Rhinathus minor)
- Marsh Orchid (Dactylorhiza praetermissa)
- Green-winged Orchid (Orchis morio)
- Silver Hair Grass (Aira caryophyllea)
- Heath Grass (Danthonia decumbens)
The Paddock is owned by Royal St. George's Golf Club and leased by SBBOT. This small area is probably the richest botanical site managed by SBBOT. It surrounds a small scrubby enclosure which is maintained as a ringing site. The area is not open to the public.
The management aim is to maintain the existing unimproved grassland which has high conservation value, through a grazing/mowing regime and minimising the spread of scrub, bracken and bramble.
It is an ideal location for migrant birds, including regular autumn scarcities such as Yellow-browed Warbler and Pallas's Warbler.
Rarer sightings include Subalpine Warbler, Icterine Warbler, Melodious Warbler and Dusky Warbler.
