Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory

The Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory nature reserve has been laid down since the 18th century and is located on the Kent coastline between St George’s Golf Course to the north and Deal to the south. The Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory is run by a charitable trust (SBBOT) which has been recording all aspects of the wildlife of Sandwich Bay for over 50 years; monitoring migration and carrying out a scientific programme of bird ringing in support of many national and international projects. The trust also monitors the butterflies, dragonflies and unique flora of the area, which includes many rare species of orchid. The observatory field study centre is set back from the shingle beach. It is open everyday and has free parking, interpretation panels and displays, a reference library, toilets, and a small shop selling filed guides and other items associated with ornithology. Maps and guides showing footpaths round the reserve can be picked up at the centre. Visitors should note that the Field Centre is on a private estate and drivers are required to pay a toll to access the area. However, there is a substantial discount for visitors to the field study centre.