Loose Stream - Ecology

Ecology

Located to the south-east of Maidstone, the Loose Valley forms the boundary between the urban area of Maidstone and the surrounding countryside. Due to the large number of ponds, the Loose stream and extensive areas of semi improved grassland, it is a haven for wildlife.

The water quality of the stream has been classified by the Environment Agency as ‘very good’ close to its confluence with the River Medway at Tovil.

The eastern side of the Valley starts as heavily grazed horse pasture. It then becomes a series of long narrow fields bordered by scrub/woodland on the upper edges of the Valley, which are very lightly grazed by cattle. This section of the Valley is owned by the Loose Amenities Association and is managed purely for wildlife, landscape and recreation. It was designated a Conservation Area in Sept 2000. The village pond in Loose was recently surveyed and contained a mixture of the following species: Water mint, Meadowsweet, Common reed mace, Water dropwort, Bittersweet, Yellow iris, Branched bur reed, Greater tussock sedge, Brooklime, Water figwort, Water forget-me-not, Great willowherb, Flag iris and Marsh marigold.

Chrisbrook ponds host moorhens, coots and tufted duck, Canada geese visit in the mornings and egrets and kingfishers eat the fish. The quarries provide nesting tunnels for kingfishers.

On the dry calcareous semi improved grasslands of the upper valley Meadow vetchling, Meadow-pea, and Bird's-foot trefoil are found. In the transitional scrub, Hawthorn, Blackthorn and Rose are found. It is an extremely valuable habitat and supports species such as dormouse, warblers and butterflies.

The woodland of the Loose Valley contains species such as Oak, Ash, sycamore, Hazel and Sweet Chestnut.