The Swale NNR
The Swale NNR is predominantly a grazing marsh supporting significant wintering populations of waterfowl.
County: Kent
Main habitats: Coastal
Area: 220 Ha
Site map: Nature on the Map
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The reserve is a Special Protection Area (SPA) and Ramsar site.
The site has an outstanding assemblage of scarce plants. Narrow-leaved and dwarf eel grass are found on the mudflats while Ray's knotgrass and white sea kale are found on the beach. The saltmarsh supports glassworts and golden samphire.
Apart from waterfowl, gargany, marsh harrier, avocet and short-eared owl have been known to breed on the reserve and the area is also a hunting ground for barn owl and Montagu's harrier.
Many rare and uncommon migrant butterflies and moths can be found at the reserve. These include Essex emerald, ground lackey, the clouded yellow butterfly and the convolvulus and bedstraw hawk-moths. Macro moths such as shaded pug, sand dart, dotted fan foot and obscure wainscot have also been known to breed or visit the reserve.
The area is best visited in the spring and early summer, for breeding birds (particularly waders) or the winter, for ducks, geese and waders.
Location and access
The reserve comprises a coastal strip on the Isle of Harty and an area of the Harty Marshes. The eastern boundary of the reserve is the Shell Ness headland (4 km south of Leysdown-on-Sea). Westwards the reserve extends as far as the Ferry Inn public house.
By car, the reserve is accessed by a minor road from Leysdown-on-Sea. There are two car parks on this road.
The nearest train station is in Sheerness (14 km to the west) served by South Eastern Trains on the London to Dover/Ramsgate route.
Bus services from Sheerness to Leysdown-on-Sea are provided by Arriva.
Facilities
The nearest toilet and refreshment facilities are in Leysdown-on Sea.
There are three hides (including a tower hide) at the reserve, and a 0.6 km nature trail. Leaflets and information panels are provided for visitor information.
