IMAGES TAKEN NEAR TO
Stodmarsh, CANTERBURY, CT3 4BE

Also known as weld, Reseda luteola is a common native biennial. It provides one of the most ancient dyes and used to be cultivated for dying fabrics bright yellow. In the background is one of the pools on the reserve.

Stodmarsh National Nature Reserve covers 241 hectares of wetland and is characterised by extensive reedbeds, lakes and associated bird populations. It is a Special Protection Area and also a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention. The reserve is managed by Natural England as a National Nature Reserve.

The earliest recorded use of the land which now makes up the National Nature Reserve of Stodmarsh was by Augustinian monks during medieval times. The monks dug ditches to bring the mineral-rich river floodwater onto the meadows to flood them and make the grass more productive. The marsh was used for grazing mares in foal and at this time was known as Stud-marsh. In the early 18th century a flood defence barrier, the Lampen Wall, was constructed by Flemish engineers to prevent excessive flooding in the Grove Ferry area. This more efficient drainage of the valley was reversed by the opening of Chislet Colliery at the start of the 20th century. The land subsided due to the underground working and became waterlogged. By the 1930s small lagoons had formed in the meadows. Reed beds then developed, spreading from the river banks to cover the wetter areas. The marsh was then used for wildfowling. The land was notified as a Site of Special Scientific Interest in 1951 and became a National Nature Reserve in 1968.

Stodmarsh National Nature Reserve covers 241 hectares of wetland and is characterised by extensive reedbeds, lakes and associated bird populations. It is a Special Protection Area and also a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention. The reserve is managed by English Nature as a National Nature Reserve.

This boardwalk on the long distance footpath leads to the Lampen Wall beside the Lampen Stream (a 17th Century sea defence wall beside a dyke) allowing access to the Wantsum Marshes. It also leads to the Lake Hide within the reserve.

Stodmarsh National Nature Reserve covers 241 hectares of wetland and is characterised by extensive reedbeds, lakes and associated bird populations. It is a Special Protection Area and also a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention. The reserve is managed by English Nature as a National Nature Reserve.