River Medway Cruise 17th July 2004

Twelve members of the RSPB Hemel Hempstead Local Group met at Strood Pier, Kent, looking forward to the one o’clock sailing. We  boarded the vessel, which is licensed to carry a maximum of 12 passengers, and had tea & coffee while being told the safety procedures.

We sailed down the River Medway past Chatham Docks. The skipper, who is very knowledgeable pointed out places & items of interest. In the river there are various islands of salt marsh including the RSPB Reserve of Nor Marsh. These islands had an abundance of birds. Being in a boat, we were able to approach without disturbing them.

We slowly proceeded down stream, stopping at various places to watch the birds. We sailed as far as Stangate Creek, just short of Sheerness, where the river meets the sea.

There were many birds with their young, the Black Headed gull chicks looking very much like Ruff. Being from an inland area, it was unusual for us to see such young gulls. There were also many Oystercatchers, Little Egrets, Curlew plus many other good birds, including Godwits and Greenshank. We also had a distant and brief view of a Marsh Harrier. At the end of the cruise we had seen a total of thirty one species.

Eight of the party decided to have a meal before we set off home. Chris the skipper phoned & booked a table for us at The Ship Inn, Lower Upnor. The meals were all excellent, I had Skate which was the best that I have ever tasted. A great finish to a terrific afternoon.

The name of the company is Panther Wildlife Observation Charters, the owner/skipper is Chris Archer and he can be contacted on 07860 837347 or e-mail spectrum_diving@talk21.com

Dave Jones

"Is that the pub we are going to for dinner?"

Dave in full flow as we returned to Strood Pier