31st August 2025

It was a lovely, still, early-autumn morning. The fields, trees and hedges behind the church were doing what 'scruffy' areas do best-attracting birds. There was plenty of activity, a pair of Blackcaps and a Chiffchaff, several Chaffinches, 2 x Great-spotted Woodpeckers, several Great, Blue and Long-tailed Tits, 2 x Mistle Thrushes and plenty more besides.

This area is a great example of how minimal management can reap such benefits for wildlife. Its importance is all the more obvious as you pass through the gate into the intensively managed landscape of Great Pedding Farm.

The fields around Church Orchard

Later in the day we heard a Common Quail calling from one of the paddocks near Summerfield Farm. Although an annual visitor to Kent on migration, they are by no means common here, so it was a welcome find.