Grove Ferry Sunlight

This morning we had beautiful weather, warm sun and interesting skies all round. Raff joined us for the school run so I could give him a lift to the garage to pick up his car – luckily the MOT had proven painless with just a wiper blade and a light bulb that had needed fixing. On the way home I took the scenic route via Grove Ferry and Preston… I expected them to be pretty photogenic given the weather, and I was not disappointed. I took today’s blip from the bridge in Grove Ferry, looking east along the Stour which winds its way through the lovely Kentish countryside to the North Sea coast.

Grove Ferry is a small village in East Kent, positioned along the River Stour. The village derives its name from the ferry that once operated here, providing passage across the river. Grove Ferry is notable for its proximity to a popular picnic area by the river, offering a serene spot for visitors. The River Stour at Grove Ferry is tidal, with tidal movements occurring roughly 3 hours and 15 minutes after those at Dover. A bridge spans the river in the village, and the Grove Ferry Boat Club offers river access for boating activities.

Downstream from Grove Ferry, the River Stour continues its journey towards the coast, passing through various locations. About 3.4 miles downstream, at Pluck's Gutter, the Little Stour converges with the Great Stour. Further along, the river flows under the Minster Rail Bridge, located 6.8 miles from Grove Ferry, and passes through the historic town of Sandwich, 10.2 miles from the village, where a swing bridge crosses the river. At 13.3 miles downstream, the Stour is diverted by the Stonar Cut, an artificial channel constructed in 1776 to alleviate flooding at Sandwich. The river eventually reaches the North Sea at Pegwell Bay, 14.2 miles from Grove Ferry.

The River Stour is tidal for approximately 19 miles from its mouth to the fixed sluice at Fordwich. The lower stretches of the river are significant for wildlife, providing habitats for species such as water voles, otters, and beavers. At Pegwell Bay, the river and its surrounding environments are part of designated conservation areas, known for their biodiversity, particularly in bird life, plants, and insects. The river is also a popular location for water-based recreational activities, including canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding.