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Star species

Our star species are some of the most interesting birds you may see on your visit to the reserve.

Lesser spotted woodpecker

Britain's rarest breeding woodpecker species is easiest to see and hear at Tudeley Woods in early spring, before the trees have their leaves. Listen for the males' drumming and their high-pitched trilling call from the canopy.

Male lesser spotted woodpecker (artwork)

Nightjar

Linger until dusk to encounter this amazing bird between May and July. As the light begins to fade, listen for the mechanical 'churring' drifting across the heather. Keep your eyes peeled for nightjars darting around catching moths and for pairs performing their wing-clapping displays.

Nightjar (illustration)

Tree pipit

You could see the display flight of the male tree pipit - he sings as he flies up into the air and then 'parachutes' down with legs dangling back to a treetop perch.

Tree pipit (illustration)

Willow tit

Willow tits are becoming increasingly hard to find across the country, but there is still a population at Tudeley. Listen for the harsh, buzzing 'beeee-beeee-beeee' call, but beware the very similar marsh tit!

Willow tit (illustration)

Woodlark

Though it is of fairly unassuming appearance, the woodlark has a gorgeous, fluty song which it gives in the air, or from vantage points such as trees or fenceposts.

Woodlark (illustration)

Contact us

  • Tel: 01273 775333

Where is it?

  • Lat/lng: 51.16603,0.31139
  • Grid reference: TQ617433
  • Nearest town: Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
  • County: Kent
  • Country: England

Get directions

Note: Some reserves are not served directly by public transport and, in these cases, a nearby destination (from which you may need to walk or take a taxi or ferry) may be offered.

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