Bough Beech Visitor Centre
The Bough Beech oast house and the surrounding area
Ray Lewis
The north end of Bough Beech Reservoir; a haven for wildlife.
Covering the north end of Bough Beech reservoir, this reserve is a haven for wildlife and one of the most celebrated and visited birdwatching sites in the south east. Many bird species can be seen throughout the year, from cuckoos and ducks to an influx of swallows. Coots and moorhens nest by the bridge where a brook runs by on its way into the reservoir.
Excellent views of the reservoir and its birds from convenient road side parking.
The visitor centre has great displays about the history and wildlife of the area. The shop serves hot and cold drinks and light snacks. The surrounding grounds are great for toads, dragonflies and great crested newts. A hide and viewing point overlooks the flooded scrapes designed to attract wildfowl and waders.
Species and habitats
- Habitats
- Grassland, Orchard, Standing water, Wetland, Woodland
- Species
- Mandarin Duck, Great Crested Grebe, Little Egret, Common Tern, Little Ringed Plover, Grey Heron
Nearby nature reserves
- Cowden Pound Pastures
- 4 miles - Kent Wildlife Trust
- Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve and Jeffery Harrison Visitor Centre
- 5 miles - Kent Wildlife Trust
- Staffhurst Wood
- 5 miles - Surrey Wildlife Trust