The Great British Bird Race - Kent

Summary

Join Naturetrek for a thrilling winter bird race in Kent, a county famed for its remarkable variety of habitats and exceptional birdlife. From the windswept North Kent Marshes to the shingle beaches of Dungeness and the rolling chalk downlands to ancient woodland, this is a landscape brimming with winter birding potential.

The goal: to record as many bird species as possible in 48 hours. We will be in friendly competition with the best birding counties in Britain, so every species will count.

Our race will include the expansive North Kent Marshes, where vast flocks of Lapwing, Golden Plover and Brent Geese swirl over the flats, while raptors such as Marsh Harrier, Peregrine and Merlin patrol the skies. Along the Thames and Medway Estuaries, we’ll scan for gulls, waders and flocks of wintering wildfowl.

No Kent bird race would be complete without a visit to Dungeness — one of the UK’s premier birding sites — where we’ll search for wintering grebes, divers, Bitterns and scarcer gulls. Inland, the chalky downlands and Beech woodlands offer a change of pace, with chances of Firecrest, Hawfinch and mixed finch and thrush flocks.

Led by expert local guides, this tour blends fast-paced, high-reward birding with the natural beauty and diversity of the Kentish landscape. Whether you're hoping to boost your year list or just enjoy the challenge, this bird race promises memorable sightings and great company.

Join us for birds, banter, and the thrill of a winter bird race!