The development will be set back 60 metres from the Saxon Shore Way
The developers are working with Kent County Council to enhance the public rights of way with a possibility of including permissive pathways, cycleways or bridleways across the site.
The number of panels has been reduced. None will be placed at Cleve Hill Lane, and there are proposed screening mitigation near to neighbouring properties at Nagden, Warm House and Cleve Hill, including a community orchard at Graveney Hill.
A habitat management steering group has been set up with Natural England, RSPB and Kent Wildlife Trust.

Cleve Hill Solar can be contacted at
Cleve Hill Solar Park Website

Data Protection

Kent Ornithological Society has reviewed the way it uses and stores personal data so that it can meet the requirements of the new data protection regulations (GDPR). As a result, it has agreed a privacy policy to make it clear what data the society holds and how it uses it.
Privacy Policy

Lodge Hill once more under threat

In September 2014, Medway Council approved a planning application for 5,000 houses that would directly destroy 144^ha of Lodge Hill SSSI (and an estimated 80% of the territories of the Nightingale population,) and have a severe impact on the rest of the 351^ha SSSI. In 2012, a full survey estimated there were 85 singing males. In 2017, thanks to a public campaign, the decision was ‘called in’ by Government (in other words, it was deemed to be a decision of such national importance that it ought to be determined by the Secretary of State) and was subsequently withdrawn.
Now, in 2018, Medway Council have submitted a new Draft Plan which again includes Lodge Hil. There will be a new campaign and request for responses.

Photo: RSPB
RSPB Campaign Page

Barn Owl, 11/02/16, Steve Ashton

Updated Member’s Blog

KOS member Steve Ashton has updated his photo blog at a new web address, with some stunning images.
See Steve’s Photographic Journal

New Kent List published

An updated and easier-to-use version of The Kent List has been published. Dating back to 1781, maintained by Keith Privett, the page lists all species reported in Kent.
Kent List

Honorary Life Vice Presidents

Congratulations to John Cantelo and John Hollyer on being elected Honorary Life Vice Presidents of the Society. This recognises the contribution that both these long-serving members have made to birding in Kent and to the Society over many years.

Bird Surveys at Chartwell- can you help?

The National Trust are looking for local bird watchers to help with bird surveys at Chartwell as part of an initiative to improve the habitat management on the estate and in surrounding woodlands.
If you are interested please contact Fraser Williamson (Countryside Ranger) National Trust, Chartwell.

Tetrad Atlas

Kent Ornithological Society’s Tetrad Atlas has been restored and is now available on this website.
The primary aim of this project is to document the distribution of breeding bird species in the county and to highlight changes that have occurred since the previous two atlases. This information is vital to identify declining species, as well as those that are doing well, to assist in formulating plans to ensure the continued health of our natural environment.

Tetrad Atlas

Can you help to save Little Terns in Kent?

Little Terns, once abundant and regular around the Kent coast, are now struggling to survive as a breeding species in the county.

Many of the traditional breeding sites have now been abandoned through pressures from human disturbance, predation and possibly reduced feeding opportunities.

One of the few remaining sites on the North Kent coast at Castle Coote near Seasalter is under the management of Kent Wildlife Trust, but breeding success has not been recorded for over 10 years, although some pairs do attempt to breed most summers.  One pair was seen incubating in 2016, but the nest was subsequently abandoned, with human disturbance being the likely cause.
Little Tern Photo: Steve Ashton

Protection measures such as electric fencing, trail cameras and clear signage, as well as attraction methods like decoys and audio devices, are known to be more effective when supported by the presence of seasonal wardens. Warden support is required during the breeding season between 1^st May and 31^st August, ideally providing rota presence seven days a week.

Kent Wildlife Trust is seeking volunteers to carry out this protection by deterring human disturbance around the breeding colony, educating visitors to the reserve and monitoring wildlife activity and sightings.  If you would be interested in helping with this project or require more details, please contact
Kevin Duvall
Kent Wildlife Trust Swale Area Warden

Phone: 07889 822408

The Kent List

An updated version of The Kent List is now available.

The Kent List

Kent Ornithological Society was founded in 1952.

Our aims are:
To record and monitor the county’s bird life providing both an accurate historical record of Kent’s birds but equally importantly providing data that can be used to help protect valuable habitats from development and other threats.
In doing this, we seek increase knowledge and understanding of birds and their habitats in the county and encourage and support people seeking to take up birdwatching as a hobby.
Membership of the society is open to all and costs £12 a year. Members receive a free copy of the annual Kent Bird Report and regular electronic newsletters.  See details 
The Society runs regular indoor talks at a central location in Maidstone and an outdoor programme of field meetings. They are opportunities for both beginners and experienced birdwatchers to meet others in the county and to develop their knowledge and skills.