Description
Elmley is an internationally important freshwater grazing marsh wetland renowned for significant populations of over-wintering and breeding birds, and also hare, water voles, rare invertebrates and flora. Elmley is an independent nature reserve and working family farm where sensitive farming and conservation go hand in hand and is run with volunteer help. The 3,300 acre estate’s vast amount of freshwater habitat alongside the equally vast expanses of salt marsh and mudflats of the Swale (a channel of the sea separating Sheppey from the mainland) make the area a gigantic feeding table for waders and wildfowl throughout the year. There are four hides, all offering different views and wildlife viewing opportunities and its conservation efforts across the Reserve are focused towards breeding waders and particularly the lapwing and redshank.
Opening Hours
Monday and Friday
9am-5pm
Thursday (for Friends of Elmley)
9am-5pm
Sunday
11am-5pm
Price
Friends of Elmley: Free
Adult - 9am-5pm: £11
Adult - 9am - 1pm or 1pm -5pm: £6 per person
Each adult ticket permits entry for up to two accompanying children free of charge.
Accessibility
Blue Badge holders are permitted to drive down to the first hide which is wheelchair accessible, with ‘perching posts’ are along the way to the hide allow a rest.
Parking
There is a car park with toilet facilities at Kingshill Farm.
Facilities
Toilets
Picture Credit: © Elmley National Nature Reserve
