Hogsmill River and Ewell Court LakeOver 66 species have been sighted between Ewell and Ewell Court Lake. Just follow the river and explore the shrub and woodland. In winter the paths can be muddy. You will be unlucky if you do not see the kingfisher or grey wagtail. In 2005 and 2006 a water rail was also seen and in 2005 three little egrets were seen along the river.
On Ewell Court Lake you will find herons, mallard, coot, moorhen, tufted duck, Canada geese and a variety of introduced species including muscovy. A regular visitor is the cormorant. A ring-necked duck was seen on one occasion. The trees surrounding the lake hold green woodpecker, great spotted woodpecker and nuthatch. If you look carefully you will find the tiny goldcrest.
Good numbers of whitethroat, chiffchaff and blackcap can be seen in summer. Ring-neck parakeet can be heard and seen all year round. Sparrowhawk and kestrel breed in the area as well. In winter there are fieldfare and redwing. You can hear the chak-chak of the fieldfare as they fly over.
If you feel more energetic you can follow the Hogsmill river all the way to Kingston about 7.4 miles.
Park in Manor drive (OS Map 187 TQ 213 638) and take alley through to the lake.
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