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Description
Swale National Nature Reserve and surrounds is remote (for the UK) and very atmospheric. The main attractions in winter are A) a hight tide roost of waders including Sandløper , Myrsnipe , Tundralo and Lappspove B) wide open areas that are attractive to hunting birds of prey like Dvergfalk , Myrhauk and Sivhauk and C) wet meadows, which when flooded, attract thousands of wildfowl and waders, notably Tundragås , Heilo and Storspove. The area can be good for migrants in autumn. And wader passage can be interesting in spring and autumn.
Details
Access
The best approach is from Leysdown-on-sea along a badly maintained track running south close to the sea-shore for about a mile until you reach a small car park. Beware, there are a lot of pot holes and if you go fast your car will suffer. (You can, of course, walk this bit.) From the car park, you have essentially two choices. You can walk south to Shelness beach and check out the shore and the estuary or you can head west along a raised bund which is on the margin between the salt marsh and the fresh-water grazing marshes. After a mile of so you reach a hide. There is another hide to the north although reaching it may involve netotiating a lot of grazing cattle. You can also reach the hide from the West, off the Harty Ferry Road although parking can be problematic. (If you do park near the church, park off the road or the locals will be upset.)
Terrain and Habitat
Wetland , Beach , Reedbeds , SeaConditions
Flat , Open landscapeCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
YesGood birding season
Winter , Spring , AutumnBest time to visit
Winter , Autumn , Spring migrationRoute
Narrow trailDifficulty walking trail
Average walkAccessible by
FootBirdwatching hide / platform
YesExtra info
I have indicated that there is a circular walk but it is probably a better use of time to walk to the hide and back again; and then to Shelness beach and back again (or in the reverse order, of course). It is worth bearing in mind that this is an exposed, low lying area close to the sea. It can be far colder here than you would expect when you leave your home further inland. It can also be misty.