Feeding Feathered Friends: Best spots to feed the ducks

Combe Valley Countryside Park (between Hastings and Bexhill)

The paths at Combe Valley Countryside Park offer a blend of accessibility and natural beauty, making them suitable for older adults seeking a tranquil experience of feeding the ducks. The park offers a sense of escape with its meandering waterways and peaceful surroundings. Combe Valley’s carefully preserved environment provides a haven for its wildlife, and those who visit.

As Combe Valley is a wetland habitat, a pair of boots and a warm jacket in the winter months is a necessity!

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Egerton Park (Bexhill)

Nestled in the heart of Bexhill, Egerton Park features a serene lake where ducks and other water birds gather. The lake is surrounded by lush greenery and benches, providing the perfect setting for a leisurely duck-feeding session! Bread isn’t very good for ducks so remember to bring along duck friendly treats like grains, peas and corn to ensure they stay happy and healthy.

Entrance sign for Egerton Park with a view of a pond and lush greenery in the background on a sunny day. - Home Instead

Alexandra Park (Hastings)

Nestled within the picturesque Egerton Park valley, Alexandra Park stands as a cherished nature reserve, offering something special for everyone who visits. Stretching across the heart of the town, this expansive park covers 44 hectares (109 acres) and spans 2.5 miles. The park’s landscape evolves as it follows the contours of the valley, starting in a flat expanse and gradually ascending towards the northern reaches of the town. Boasting a unique blend of formal gardens and wild wooded areas, it is the largest formal park in Hastings.

Alexandra Park, a recipient of the Green Flag Award since 2005, is a point of pride for the community. One of the park’s standout features is its renowned arboretum, which houses an exceptional collection of trees – some of which are considered tree “champions” due to their impressive size and beauty and is surely a treat for tree enthusiasts. While wandering through the park, visitors will encounter several bodies of water, remnants of its historical role in providing fresh water to the local population during the Victorian era. Among these waters, Harmers Pond and Buckshole Reservoir allow for course fishing, managed by the Hastings, Bexhill, and District Freshwater Angling Association, while the other ponds thrive as natural habitats for wildlife and excellent places to feed the ducks! Alexandra Park truly captures the essence of nature, offering a diverse range of experiences within its serene environment.

Imagery courtesy of 1066 Country of Origin – Visit 1066 Country

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