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Elmley National Nature Reserve

Kent  >  United Kingdom

Elmley is on the Isle of Sheppey, much of which is outstanding for birds. Formerly an RSPB reserve, the owners have continued to manage it for wildlife.

Added* by Kenneth Noble
Most recent update 12 февруари 2020

Description

Elmley has ideal habitat for wildfowl and waders. In the winter there are thousands of патка свиркач with plenty of патка берија, сива патка and a good sprinkling of патка лажичарка, гусковидна патка, патка ластовичарка, сива патка and also geese. дива гуска predominate but there are also белочелна гуска and Brent Goose.

At the right time of year it is possible to see 20 species of waders. бојник, златно блатарче and црвенонога тринга are usually present. On passage, look out for црна тринга, зеленонога тринга, шумска тринга, шарена тринга and many more.

Naturally this rich diversity of birds attracts predators. On a good day you may see мал сокол, сив сокол, Полска еја, блатен був or even ушест був. блатна еја are virtually guaranteed. Occasionally a гаќест глувчар appears but be careful before claiming one as there have been some very pale глувчар, too.

Passerines are more of a feature on migration - обично ливадарче, обично камењарче and others can be found in season. Keep your eyes and ears open and you may well find something unexpected.

Details

Access

The reserve is accessed from the small road (Sheppey Way) that goes over the old road bridge onto the Isle of Sheppey. There is an RSPB sign pointing to the entrance. (With the logo removed!) It's a difficult place to reach by public transport - be prepared for some walking. Swale is the nearest railway station. Some of the best birding is actually along the entrance track. Scan the fence posts for raptors! If you walk you are likely to flush everything within quite some distance of the track - and are likely to upset the many photographers who like to use their cars as 'hides'.

Terrain and Habitat

Reedbeds , Mud flats , Wetland , Grassland , Scattered trees and bushes

Conditions

Flat

Circular trail

No

Is a telescope useful?

Can be useful

Good birding season

All year round

Best time to visit

Winter , Spring migration , Autumn migration

Route

Unpaved road

Difficulty walking trail

Average walk

Accessible by

Foot , Car

Birdwatching hide / platform

Yes

Extra info

Check the website for opening times. There is a £5.00 day charge for entry per car (not per person).

Links

View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces

Map

Top 5 birds

Other birds you can see here

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