insideKENT Magazine Issue 31 - October 2014 | Page 98

DAYSOUT

New Hythe
Leybourne Lakes Country Park and Holborough Marsh
THIS RELAXING SHORT WALK FROM NEW HYTHE TRAIN STATION TRAILS
THROUGH SOME OF THE MOST STUNNING WETLAND LANDSCAPE LOCATED
IN THE LEYBOURNE LAKES COUNTRY PARK. TAKE THE EXTRA LOOP AROUND
HOLBOROUGH MARSHES AND YOU’LL FIND MARSHLAND ABUNDANT WITH
WILDLIFE AND STUNNING VIEWS ALONG THE RIVER MEDWAY.

Once gravel workings, the Leybourne Lakes have
been transformed into a local wildlife site of
national importance. A variety of wetland birds
such as kingfishers, tufted ducks, great crested
grebes and mute swans all thrive in this area.
Listen out and you’ll hear the ‘plop’ of the water
vole, as it plummets into the depths of the waters
below. The water vole is one of the most
dramatically declining of all British mammals but
can still be found in the lakes at Leybourne.
Take your time strolling around the lakes and
soak up the views, following signs to Brookland
Lake. Walk alongside the stream towards the
park exit and you’ll emerge onto Brook Street.
Your walk then leads to Snodland town centre,
where you can stop off and tuck into a snack
from the local bakery. Here, you can finish up

your walk at Snodland Train Station but if you
feel like stretching your legs a bit more, the 1.4mile extension around Holborough Marshes is a
glorious addition.

behind the church. Although the ferry no longer
exists, it operated until 1948 and was at its busiest
when the cement works were active on both
sides of the river.

The sights and sounds of the marshes provide
a beautiful stroll for those wishing to enjoy the
distinct beauty of the area. Come back in spring
and you can witness the distinctive song of the
nightingale as it displays its impressive array of
chirps and whistles along the River Medway year
after year.

Remember to visit Burham old church, also
known as the church of St. Mary the Virgin, which
is nestled alongside Burham Marshes on the
other side of the river and Snodland Paper Mill
which is located further upstream.
If you would like to explore Holborough Marshes
further, go through the motorbike barrier on your
right at the end of the trail and follow this main
track to the river’s edge. On this part of the trail
you will encounter a bird hide and old tram tracks,
a reminder of the rich industrial past of the area.

The parish church of All Saints is one of many
ancient buildings near the river, offering an
attractive contrast to the industrial site next door.
Other buildings in this area include the ferryman’s
house which was built by the rector in the 1840s

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