Sunday 23rd May 2021
Elmley is a place to escape into nature, whether that be for the day or overnight. It is a vast wilderness with a spectacular landscape, soul-stirring skies and breathtaking wildlife. Located on the Isle of Sheppey, Elmley is a family-run farm with a long-term vision to restore nature, and a commitment to the sustainability of the landscape and land.
Over the last 40 years, Elmley has developed into an important site for wildlife, restoring nature to the entire 3,300 acre site. It is a site of special scientific interest (SSSI), and has Ramsar status and classified as a wetland of global importance.
Peak numbers of waders and wildfowl come to Elmley between January and March, and conservation efforts across the Reserve are focused towards breeding wading birds – lapwing (Vanellus Vanellus) and redshank (Tringa Totanus) in particular. On a visit to Elmley, it is not unusual to see, as well as the breeding waders and wildfowl, magnificent birds of prey soaring above, hares bounding across the meadows, and a fantastic variety of insects exploring the waterways and wildflowers.
Alongside the biodiversity of the site, Elmley, as an island in the Thames Estuary, also has a rich and fascinating history, from middle age farming through to Victorian brickworks, which grew because of the importance of the Swale as a waterway. Over the last few years, many of the buildings have started to be restored.
Open: 9am - 5pm, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays for pre-booked day visits
Photo by Rebecca Douglas Photography
