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Description
Old Park is an excellent site within walking distance of Canterbury, making it a good site for birding tourists visiting the city particularly in spring/summer. The wooded areas (especially Chequers Wood) hold Šumska sova, Crnokapa Grmuša, Siva Grmuša, Zlatoglavi Kraljić, Vatroglavi Kraljić, Kratkokljuni puzavac, Veliki Djetlić and all the common woodland species. The more open areas have Juričica, Grmuša čevrljinka, Grmuša Pjenica and a good population of Slavuj. The latter has one of the densest populations in the county here.
Zelena žuna can often be found in lightly wooded areas around the acid grassland areas feeding on ants. A few Grlica persist aided by conservation work by the nearby golf course. Raptors include Vjetruša, Škanjac and Kobac with occasional visits in spring by Sokol Lastavičar and less often Crvena lunja. In winter check the Alders (around the pond and towards the end of the cycle route) for Čižak and Lesser Redpoll.
Details
Access
It is possible to walk to Old Park from the city centre entering via Brymore Road (behind the Prince of Wales Youth Club) via the National Cycle Route or by following Chaucer Road past the Law Courts. By bus alight at Canterbury Golf Club (Services 11, 43 & 43A) cross the road and walk up Villiers Road to enter the area. This is also convenient for Canterbury Camping & Caravanning site nearby in Bekesbourne Lane. All these points are accessible by car but the best option is parking at the end of Villiers Road. It is also possible to enter from Fordwich following the National Cycle Route.
The circular walking route indicated on the map is about 4 km.
Terrain and Habitat
Forest , Scattered trees and bushes , Grassland , PondConditions
Hilly , Sandy , Open landscapeCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
NoGood birding season
Spring , SummerBest time to visit
SpringRoute
Narrow trail , Unpaved roadDifficulty walking trail
Average walkAccessible by
Foot , BicycleBirdwatching hide / platform
NoExtra info
Old Park is heavily used by dog walkers and, at weekends, youths on motorbikes. An early start is helpful. The site is under threat from developers and the subject of a local campaign to save it. For more details see below.