Cliffe Pools with the East Grinstead RSPB Group

Eight members of the East Grinstead RSPB Local Group enjoyed a wonderfully bright and mild winter’s day at Cliffe Pools on 13 December. It was our first visit to this picturesque north Kent reserve since 2014, and the return felt long overdue.

Our route took us from Crystal Pool along Dartford Track and Cliffe Creek, looping back via Creek Road before continuing toward Black Barn in the afternoon. 

Although the birding proved more challenging than on recent outings, we worked hard and were rewarded with a total of 56 species.

• Lapwings stole the show, earning Bird of the Day thanks to their sheer numbers and the elegance of their flight—especially when seen alongside flocks of golden plovers. 

Courtesy of Phil Aylen

Courtesy of Ian Hodgson

Courtesy of Chris Harris

• Greenshank also featured prominently, with at least three individuals noted.

Courtesy of Andrew Burns

• Other highlights included curlew, marsh harrier, kestrel, buzzard, sparrowhawk, linnet, dunnock, goldfinch, woodpigeon, and grey heron, many beautifully captured by our photographers.

Kestrel

Courtesy of Phil Aylen

Buzzard

Courtesy of Andrew Burns

Linnets

Courtesy of Phil Aylen

A lighter moment came when Phil demonstrated the impressive sharpness of his new camera, a clear upgrade from his previous thermal model.

New thermal imaging camera

Courtesy of Phil Aylen

Previous thermal imaging camera

Courtesy of Phil Aylen

Finally some stunning images of Cliffe Pools

Courtesy of Ian Hodgson

Courtesy of Ian Hodgson

Courtesy of Ian Hodgson

Many thanks to John for organising another excellent outing, and to our photographers—Andrew B, Chris H, Ian H, Martin J, and Phil A—for their outstanding images. Let’s hope our next visit to Cliffe Pools comes sooner than another eleven years

2025 species count = 199