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NEW HOMES BOOST WILDLIFE

Local residents and visitors from further afield are likely to be attracted to new homes and places to eat that have been created at the Royal Military Canal.

Shepway District Council, which maintains the full length of the canal from Seabrook to West Hythe, has just finished a substantial tree planting programme as part of the Habitat Enhancement Programme.

“By planting specific species of trees we hope to attract a variety of wildlife onto the canal,â€? said Kate Rowland, the council’s Environment Officer. 

Since the enhancement programme started two years ago there has been a noticeable increase in the number of recorded species seen on the canal.

“Many of the trees planted, like the Common whitebeam, Rowan, Wild cherry and Wayfaring tree produce berries as food for the birds,� said Kate. “Bees will be attracted to the Small leafed lime’s sweet smelling flowers and the White hairstreak butterfly will be naturally drawn to the Wych elms. The mixed native hedgerow and thicket planting is good for the Cetti’s warbler and other small nesting birds and dormice.�