Royal Society for the Preservation of Birds - Elmley
Marshes Nature Reserve.
Elmley Marshes attracts thousands of wildfowl including ducks, geese and
waders in the winter.
As well as the waterfowl, the place is home to Hen and Marsh Harriers, together with Merlins and Peregrine Falcons. The odds are that you will also see the snow-white Egret on the way through the farmland. In summer months, many waders - including avocets, breed on the reserve - as do the lapwings and plovers. The Yellow Wagtails give a great splash of colour as they wander round, and Lapwings, Stonechats and many other birds are to be seen in the various seasons.
The Bird pictures below were all taken on Sunday 25th March 2007. All with telephoto lens. Normal basic viewing equipment for viewing the birds would be a x10 binoculars.
The ubiquitous Coot - On ramshackle but very functional nest.
A general view of some of the marshland - just before the entrance to the reserve proper.
It is easy to see why this is called a Redshank. A great wader with loads of character.
A mating pair of Ringed Plover - They were pre-occupied enough for me to drive quite close!
Opening times
Open daily (closed Tuesdays) 9 am to 9 pm or sunset when earlier.
Charges - There are no fixed entrance fees. However, suggested donations for
non-members of £2.50 adults, 50p child, £1.50 concession, and £4.50 for a
family, are gratefully received to help maintain the reserve.
Tel: 01795 665969 or 01273 775333
How to get there.............
Travel on A249 towards Sheerness. Do not go over the new road bridge, but take the slip road immediately prior - following the signs for Iwade. Go round the roundabout towards and over the old river bridge and the sanctuary is (rather badly) signposted on the left but pointing out to the right! Travel along the track - bearing left - through the farm buildings. There is something like a 2 mile drive - slowly - up to the the main car park, but there is much to be seen on the way. All of the images were taken on the drive up to the main RSPB car park.
