Page 15 - Kentculture Creative Magazine

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Explore the eventful history of one of Kent’s most fascinating landmarks
Six reasons to explore
04. Fishing 05. Boating 06. Wild Life
Summer 2016
Stocked with fish in 1806 The Royal Military Canal it ‘abounded with large carp,
tench, perch, pike, eels and every other species of freshwater fish’. Field officers and some country gentlemen were given permits in the summer to fish from the tow-path side only. Today, the canal is one of the best areas in Kent for coarse fishing and still has a large quantity and variety of species. From Seabrook to Iden Lock the canal’s waters are club controlled. It is possible
to fish these stretches of the canal without being a member of the relevant clubs by obtaining
a day permit. Contact the individual fishing clubs for
more information on day permit fishing and how to obtain one.
The Royal Military Canal
was never intended for navigation, being primarily
a defensive structure. However, in a bid to raise much needed money from the enterprise the canal was opened for public
use and tolls were charged. The canal was mainly used by barges carrying shingle and other cargoes, although there was a regular passenger service which ran from Hythe to Rye. The canal remained steadily busy until
the Ashford to Hastings railway was opened in 1851 - this took away most of the traffic. Barges continued to use the canal sporadically until the last toll- paying barge travelled through Iden Lock in December 1909. Boats can be hired between Easter weekend and the end of September, from one hour to up to half a day for £10 an hour.
The Royal Military Canal
is an excellent place to
see wildlife. The verdant, tranquil banks provide an ideal home for many creatures: whatever the season, whatever the weather there will be something to be seen enjoying the canal.The majestic mute swan can be found all along the canal as can the grey heron, as it waits patiently to make the most of the canal’s bountiful fish stocks. A flash of blue or orange darting low over the water will indicate the presence of a kingfisher, and a noisy cuffuffle from the reeds or a loud squawk will probably be a moorhen nervously making its way through life. Throughout the summer months the quarrelsome song of the reed warbler can be heard as it goes about its life unseen in the reeds.
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