The Isle of Sheppy has attracted bird watchers to the North Kent shore for many years.  It is a true island in the Thames Estuary, separated from the mainland by The Swale channel with just one bridging point at Kingsferry. 
The RSPB reserve at Elmley Marshes is one of the best spots to see the wealth of bird and other wildlife that abounds in this corner of England about half way from London to the sea.  The reserve comprises coastal grazing marsh, ditches and pools alongside the Swale estuary with extensive intertidal mud flats.  As part of the extensive wilderness along the southern flank of the island it attracts an enviable list of raptors; Marsh and Hen Harriers, Merlin, Rough-legged Buzzard, Peregrine and Short-eared owl have all been recorded there. 
In winter the site is renowned for the spectacular numbers of wildfowl, especially

Wigeon and White-fronted geese.  Look out also for  Red-throated diver, Pochard, Tufted duck, Scoter, Gadwall, Shoveler, Teal and a good list of waders and hunting raptors. 
The summer sees breeding waders, such as Redshank, Avocet and Lapwing, Yellow wagtail, Wheatear, Great crested and Little Grebes, Common and Little terns. 
The autumn brings the passage waders including, if you are lucky, Whimbrel, Dunlin, Sanderling, Little stint, Spotted redshank, Greenshank, Sandpipers and Terns. 

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.