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Northward Hill RSPB Reserve INTRODUCTION
Northward Hill RSPB reserve is 270 hectares of grazing marsh, woodland and farmland on the Hoo peninsula between the villages of High Halstow and
Cooling.
THE RESERVE Terrain.
Some of the paths can be very muddy, and there are some moderate inclines.
Boots are recommended. Facilities.
There are no toilets or other facilities on the reserve. Public toilets, a local
shop and pub food are available in High Halstow. Where
to go and what to see on the reserve. From the car park, a clearly-signed path leads down into the 54-hectare woodland. There are three trails; the ½ km white trail and 2km green trail are circular routes through the wood. Expect to see - and hear resident woodpeckers and tits, breeding nightingales, turtle doves, warblers. The UK's largest heronry, with 150-200 pairs in most years, is in the north side of the wood in a sanctuary area. In recent years, the heronry has been supplemented with a small but growing population of breeding little egrets. The 4.5km blue trail links up with the Saxon Shoreway long distance footpath and leads out to three view points overlooking the grazing marshes. The marshes were recreated by the RSPB from arable farmland by raising water levels and
re-introducing The marshes support breeding waders such as avocet, lapwing and redshank and increasing numbers of wintering wildfowl including species such as teal,
shoveler, wigeon and pintail. Birds of prey can be seen in all seasons. Marsh harrier, sparrowhawk and kestrel breed and hen harrier, peregrine and merlin are regular winter visitors.
VISITING
How to get here. Map reference TQ782758 From Junction 1 of the M2, take the A289 north for 4 miles to the roundabout with the A228. Turn left towards Grain. After 4 miles, turn left at the second roundabout to High Halstow. In the village, turn right at the T-junction in front of the Red Dog PH following the brown RSPB signs
to the reserve car park. Where
should I park? There
is a small free RSPB car park adjacent to the Public area of the wood
off Northwood Avenue in High Halstow Can I
get here by public transport? Contact
Arriva buses on 01634 283600 or click here
for the latest timetables
Permits
are required to visit the sanctuary/heronry; these are free to members, £2 to
non-members. Contact the reserve office for details.
For more information contact RSPB North West Kent Reserves, Bromhey Farm, Eastborough, Cooling, Rochester, Kent, ME3 8DS 'phone 01634 222480
or 'phone the RSPB SE Regional Office : 01273 775333 
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