Burham Marsh

Burham Marsh is a 11 hectare tidal Reed bed on the meandering River Medway north of Aylesford and west of Burham. [cite web |url=http://www.tour-maidstone.com/Default.aspx?page=459 |title=Burham Marsh Nature Reserve |work=Tour Maidstone |publisher=Maidstone Borough Council |accessdate=2008-09-04 ] It is part the Holborough to Wouldham Marshes SSSI.

Cars may be parked at Burham Court Church at TQ 717621. A public footpath runs along the river embankment (the sea wall) from which there are good views of most of the reserve and adjacent meadows. [cite web |url=http://www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk/reserves/medway-mid-kent-area/burham-marsh/ |title=Burham Marsh |publisher=Kent Wildlife Trust |accessdate=2008-09-04 ]

The path is mostly level but soft in wet weather.

Fauna

Breeding species include reed and sedge warbler and water rail. Wintering species include bearded reedling, snipe, redshank and bittern. During the migration periods significant numbers of swallow and sand martin are seen.

Botanical interest includes the rare marsh sow-thistle and marsh-mallow.

The River Medway at this point attracts a variety of birds including kingfisher, cormorant and various species of duck including teal, shelduck and wigeon. The low lying grassland areas provide grazing and roosting areas for large numbers of geese and ducks, including greylag and wigeon. Herons can often be seen fishing in the dykes, which drain this area. [cite web |url=http://www.ruralways.org.uk/activities/browse/kent/burham-marsh |title=Burham Marsh |work=Rural Ways |publisher=The Southern and South East England Tourist Board |accessdate=2008-09-04 ]

References