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The RSPB Reserve of Elmley Marsh is part of the North Kent Marshes. Situated on the Isle of Sheppy on the southern side of the mouth of the Thames. It is separated from the mainland by a channel known as The Swale. The salt marshes and mud flats are a haven for wintering waders and wildfowl and are home for some of the largest flocks in the South of England. Dunlin, knot, curlews, golden plovers and oystercatchers may be numbered in thousands and grey plover, redshank and bar-tailed godwits can be found in lesser numbers. Several hundred Brent geese and a good number of white-fronted geese are regular winter visitors to the marshes. Ducks which may be found include wigeon, teal, shoveller, shelduck, red-breasted merganser, eider, pintail, pochard and |
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common scoter. The reserve is fascinating and the sheer numbers of birds will leave you spellbound but it is worth keeping a lookout for the more unusual like a short-eared owl, merlin or hen harrier hunting over the marshes, while flocks of pipit, finches or thrushes may forage in patches of vegetation. Elmley is a wonderful place to watch birds but it is remote and exposed so take warm clothes and good boots so you can enjoy his special place to the full. |
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The reserve car park, which includes toilet facilities, is two miles down a track from the main road and the first of five hides a further one and a quarter miles on foot. The round trip is a six mile walk to the furthest hide though the views afforded over the reserve on the way and the Swale from the hides on the bank can be well worth the effort. RSPB Members may visit the reserve free of charge on production of membership cards. There is a charge for non-members. More information is available from the RSPB web site. Peter Antram |
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