Here at Seaview Park on the Isle of Sheppey, we’ve created a comprehensive guide to showcase the hidden nature of the Isle of Sheppey. Whether you’re a park home owner or a day tripper, this guide unveils the island’s many delights, inviting you to explore all it has to offer.

Escape into nature on the Isle of Sheppey

The Isle of Sheppey, a small island off the north Kent coast, offers a captivating blend of landscapes and experiences. The island is a haven for nature lovers and those in search of natural space, just a stone’s throw from the hustle and bustle of London city life.

Nestled away in the charm of Leysdown lies Seaview Park, a perfect haven for those seeking an escape. The Isle of Sheppey is the ideal escape if you’re looking for unspoilt nature, stunning skies, and incredible wildlife. It’s a great spot to unwind and reconnect with the beauty of the outdoors.

The Isle of Sheppey is renowned for its untouched charm, particularly along its northeastern shores, where the remote feel and sweeping views of the Thames Estuary offer a sense of seclusion. Explore the island’s diverse wilderness, including salt marshes, nature reserves, and pristine beaches, perfect for outdoor adventures. Its unique landscape near the Thames Estuary is home to an array of wildlife, from marsh harriers to tens of thousands of migratory birds, making it a paradise for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts. 

Nature reserves and wildlife hotspots

The Isle of Sheppey is not only known for its beautiful, clean beaches and stunning landscapes, but also for its thriving nature reserves and wildlife hotspots. These areas are preserved and protected to maintain the diverse wildlife found on the island.

One of the most popular nature reserves on the Isle of Sheppey is Elmley National Nature Reserve. This 3,200-acre reserve is a haven for birdwatchers, with over 250 species recorded here. The reserve is also home to a variety of other wildlife such as hares, water voles, and even otters.

Elmley Nature Reserve

Elmley Nature Reserve is one of the Isle of Sheppey’s most treasured natural havens, spanning an impressive 3,300 acres of pristine wilderness. This internationally significant reserve is a paradise for birdwatchers, with over 250 bird species recorded, including marsh harriers and elegant egrets. Beyond its avian residents, Elmley is home to a rich variety of wildlife, such as hares, water voles, and even the elusive otter.

Visitors can relax in the beauty of Elmley by exploring its nature trails, cycling paths, and waterways. The reserve also features four strategically placed viewing hides, offering spectacular opportunities to observe the wildlife up close while enjoying stunning views. From salt marshes to tranquil waterways, the reserve is a sanctuary for both flora and fauna, making it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike.

Family-run and deeply committed to conservation, Elmley National Nature Reserve is not just a protected landscape but a celebration of the island’s unique ecology.

Swale National Nature Reserve

Dedicated to preserving and promoting the biodiversity of Swale, the Swale National Nature Reserve is a vast mix of habitats ranging from wet grassland, marshes, and salty lagoons. Located in the southern area of the Isle of Sheppey in Kent, England, this 980-hectare reserve provides ample opportunities for birdwatching, with over 200 species recorded, including endangered ones such as the black-tailed godwit and avocet.

Apart from being an important site for migratory birds, Swale NNR also serves as a sanctuary for other wildlife such as water voles and roe deer. The freshwater ditches are home to rare plants like Marsh Pea and Babbington’s Leek. The reserve also has a variety of habitats ranging from woodlands to meadows, providing refuge for different species of insects and small mammals.

With its diverse range of habitats, Swale NNR is not just a haven for wildlife but also an important site for conservation efforts. Natural England manages the reserve, the government’s advisor on environmental issues, who work closely with local volunteers and partner organisations to ensure the preservation of this unique ecosystem.

Visitors can explore Swale NNR through various walking trails that lead them through different parts of the reserve.

Capel Fleet Nature Reserve & Raptor Watchpoint

Capel Fleet Nature Reserve is a 1,200-acre RSPB site situated on the Isle of Sheppey in Kent, England. Well known for its rich and diverse birdlife, the reserve has been designated a Special Protection Area (SPA) by Natural England due to its importance as a habitat for rare and endangered species such as marsh harriers, bitterns, and bearded tits.

A highlight of the reserve is the Raptor Watchpoint, a purpose-built elevated platform that offers visitors an unparalleled 360-degree view of the surrounding landscape. This vantage point is perfect for observing the impressive array of birds of prey that frequent the area. During the winter months, the reserve becomes particularly vibrant, with its expansive grazing marshes and wide dykes attracting flocks of winter wildfowl and grazing geese. 

Birdwatchers can expect to see raptors such as marsh harriers, hen harriers, and short-eared owls gliding over the marshes. Occasionally, visitors might spot a rough-legged buzzard perched on a fence post or hovering in search of prey. Common buzzards and Peregrines are frequently spotted, while merlins and lesser-seen species like short-eared owls add an extra thrill for avid birdwatchers. Notably, Capel Fleet is one of just three locations in Kent where a lesser white-fronted goose has been recorded.

With the unrivalled experience of witnessing these majestic birds in their natural habitat, Capel Fleet Nature Reserve is a must-visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts.

Funton Creek

Funton Creek can be reached by taking the first exit off the roundabout located on the mainland side of the Kingsferry Bridge.

It is a significant source of freshwater for the reserve and plays a crucial role in maintaining its delicate ecosystem.

The creek winds gracefully through the reserve, creating a variety of habitats that support thriving wildlife. Its shallow waters host fish species like sticklebacks and stone loach, while its muddy banks serve as perfect nesting grounds for waterfowl. The surrounding woodlands and marshes also rely on Funton Creek, with many plant species depending on its water supply to survive.

Winter (October to February) is the best time to visit, as the creek becomes a haven for wildfowl and wading birds. Large wintering flocks of avocets can be spotted, alongside oystercatchers, grey plovers, sanderlings, dunlins, godwits, and red knots. The adjacent saltmarsh may reveal marsh or hen harriers gliding low, as well as short-eared or barn owls on the hunt. Predators such as peregrine falcons often test the agility of waders and wildfowl, while merlins may dart quickly into flocks of larks or meadow pipits. 

As the tide rises, keep an eye out for red-breasted mergansers, grebes, or even a diver making an appearance, adding to the dynamic and vibrant ecosystem that Funton Creek sustains.

Harty Ferry Inn area

The Harty Ferry Inn area is a charming destination that boasts breathtaking views of the creek and surrounding marshes, making it an ideal spot for a picnic or a leisurely stroll. At the heart of this picturesque location stands the Harty Ferry Inn, a historic pub dating back to the 17th century.  

The area around the inn is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a network of walking and cycling trails that wind through the stunning marshlands and estuary. From here, you can gaze across the Swale, opposite the Oare Marshes, and enjoy birdwatching in the saltmarsh. The area is a hotspot for winter wildlife, including brant geese, red-breasted mergansers, waders, corn buntings, bearded reedlings, and snow buntings. 

Oare Marshes

The Oare Marshes, located on the north Kent coast opposite the Isle of Sheppey, are a vital wetland habitat spanning over 150 hectares. Renowned as one of the UK’s most significant bird sanctuaries, this area is a haven for wildlife and a must-visit destination for birdwatchers. 

As part of the North Kent Marshes Special Protection Area (SPA), the Oare Marshes host an impressive variety of bird species throughout the year, with up to 100 species visible at different times. The site includes a 71.4-hectare Local Nature Reserve, managed by the Kent Wildlife Trust, and is internationally recognised for its importance to migratory, overwintering, and breeding wetland birds.

Visitors can spot species such as the pied avocet, common redshank, brent goose, Eurasian curlew, merlin, hen harrier, short-eared owl, Eurasian bittern, and twite. The reserve offers well-maintained viewing hides and a scenic nature trail, providing an ideal setting to experience its thriving ecosystem and magnificent birdlife.

Barton’s Point Coastal Park

Barton’s Point Coastal Park, located on the picturesque north Kent coast between Sheerness and Minster, spans 50 acres of breathtaking natural beauty. Overlooking the Thames Estuary, the park is a haven for birdwatchers, nature lovers, and families alike.

The park features 40 acres of serene landscapes, a saltwater lake, and a section of the Sheppey Cycle Route, offering something for everyone. Popular activities include birdwatching, fishing, geocaching, kite flying, water sports, and leisurely picnics. Families can enjoy crabbing by the lake or feeding the ducks and swans.

Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Isle of Sheppey

With its beautiful landscapes and rich wildlife, the Isle of Sheppey is a paradise for nature lovers. For the perfect base to immerse yourself in this natural paradise, look no further than Seaview Park in Leysdown-on-Sea. Here, life slows down, allowing you to enjoy the peace of coastal living. 

Imagine yourself in a cosy 12-month chalet, starting your mornings with tea on your terrace as the sun casts golden light over the sea and then bird spotting in the afternoon at Capel Fleet Nature Reserve.

Interested in making this dream a reality? Enquire today about our 12-month chalets and start envisioning your new life by the coast. Your seaside sanctuary awaits.