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Welcome to Hambrook Marshes: a unique wildlife haven in the city of Canterbury

The beautiful landscape of Canterbury’s biggest green open space is a natural wildlife haven, home to thriving bird life and a wealth of plants and wildflower species. Open all year round, its tranquil riverside paths and wetlands are the perfect way to enjoy nature in the city.  

Visiting hambrook marshes

Hambrook Marshes is close to Canterbury city centre, easy to get to, and open at all times.

Full information for visitors, including where we are, travel options, facilities and accessibility.

about hambrook

Did you know that the land by the River Stour that is now Hambrook Marshes was once a 40 feet deep quarry?

Find out more about the history, and the plants, birds and wildlife that now thrive here.

get involved

Volunteers at work

If you love Hambrook Marshes there are plenty of ways to help out and keep in touch with what’s happening.

Discover more ways to get involved and stay up to date

WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR IN AUGUST

  • Black-headed gulls
  • Kingfisher
  • Marbled White butterflies
  • Green sandpiper

More about other flowers and wildlife you might spot if you visit now.

Land managers wanted

We’re looking for voluntary land managers to help look after the site on a day to day basis, carrying out minor repair work and liaising with maintenance contractors.

Further details (pdf)
Application form (doc)

Recent news

  • JULY WILDLIFE NOTES
    Is it summer or autumn? A record count of 27 marbled white butterflies in the scrub field would suggest the former, but the first returning black-headed gull on 21st and a green sandpiper along the river on 27th would indicate…
  • FALLEN TREE
    Strong winds on 27th July brought down a massive trunk and limb of one of the imposing hybrid poplars on the old railway embankment. Ironically, this was one of two trees marked up for tree surgery this autumn, on account…
  • WORK ON THE MARSHES IN JULY
    Seven sections of tall riverbank vegetation, totalling 275m, were cut back so that visitors could enjoy views of the river from time to time. The nettles, hemlock water dropwort and various other tall plants provide valuable food and cover for…
  • BOARDWALK RESTORATION: NEW POND
    The main focus of the month was in the Boardwalk Field for the completion of phase 1 of the restoration project following February’s arson attack on the boardwalk. As reported in the last newsletter, contractors were engaged to remove all…
  • CANTERBURY MEADOWS PHOTO COMPETITION
    The Canterbury Society has launched a photographic competition, inviting people to submit photos of the flora and pollinators of our local meadows. Where better to go for inspiration than Hambrook Marshes’ very own hay meadow, which is the field containing…