{"id":450,"date":"2022-06-01T08:42:41","date_gmt":"2022-06-01T08:42:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sandwichbaybirdobservatorytrust.org.uk\/sitefiles\/?page_id=450"},"modified":"2025-05-09T16:25:06","modified_gmt":"2025-05-09T16:25:06","slug":"restharrow-dunes-and-gullies","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/sbbot.org.uk\/2026\/restharrow-dunes-and-gullies\/","title":{"rendered":"Restharrow Dunes and Gullies"},"content":{"rendered":"

This area is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and is protected and managed for wildlife purposes. It is comprised of duneland and three different gullies. There are three gullies (Waldershare, Little and Big) which were all originally part of the Haven Cut. The duneland field is mainly dominated by Marram Grass but contains many interesting wildflower species. The Gullies are lower lying and much damper with lots of Willow, Reed, and Yellow Iris.<\/p>\n

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Big Gully by Ian Hodgson<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

During the spring you may come across early butterfly species, such as the Peacock, nectaring on the spring blossom in the gullies. A colourful flash of red may reveal a passing Redstart flitting from bush to bush and you can find hosts of migrating warblers such as Blackcaps and Whitethroats. Make sure to look out for patrolling Four-spotted and Broad-bodied Chasers. Within the fields look out for Stoats and Weasels, Grey Partridge, and flocks of Linnets.<\/p>\n

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Grey Partridge by Paul Coltman<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n

In summer key flora species to spot include Southern Marsh Orchids, Common Twayblade, Adder\u2019s Tongue Fern, and Marsh Helleborine. Large Skipper butterflies and Variable Damselflies are key invertebrates to look for here. Also be on the look out for reptiles such as the Slow Worm and Grass Snake under the habitat mats. The duneland Gorse begins to flower and here you can often find Corn Buntings and Clouded Yellow butterflies.<\/p>\n

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Grass Snake by Nick Smith<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n