The entry fee is collected on a completely Not For Profit basis, it is administered by the Elmley Nature Reserve Community Interest Company, which is managed on a voluntary basis and all funds go directly to the nature reserve. We have been carefully working to restore habitats and wildlife to Elmley for over 40 years. Sadly, there is no public funding for visitor access and there are significant costs involved in welcoming visitors – from the maintenance and cleaning of toilets, walking tracks, bird hides, to the essential staffing and wardening and support of additional nature projects. We are passionate about enabling everyone to understand and have access to nature, so children go free and we welcome community and school groups (please contact visits@elmleynaturereseve.co.uk to enquire). You can also choose to join the <a href="https://www.elmleynaturereserve.co.uk/friends-of-elmley" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Friends of Elmley</a> if you would like to visit regularly.

Why is there an entry fee for Day Visitors?

Regrettably, dogs are not allowed on the reserve even on a lead, this is to avoid disturbance to the wildlife. Registered assistance dogs are permitted.

Can I bring a dog?

Blue Badge holders are permitted to drive down to the first hide which is wheelchair accessible. We realise that many of our visitors enjoy the walk but need to take it in their own time, so we have placed ‘perching posts’ along the way to allow a rest.
The Swale viewing screen provides wonderful birdwatching over the Swale only a 200m walk from the carpark.
And some of the best birdwatching is from the entry track. Please feel free to stop and enjoy the wildlife from your car. 
For events and weddings-the venue has ramp access and an accessible loo. Please do note there is uneven ground and shallow shingle around site.

How accessible is Elmley?

Bikes are allowed on all permissive paths from June to September only but no through route is available. Elmley has miles of gravel paths which are great for cycling along but we also have a lot of birds and other shy wildlife throughout the autumn, winter and Spring. Our paths and roads wind through many of the fields these birds rest and feed in. 
The birds do not see vehicles as a threat but are disturbed by people and bikes so we ask visitors to enter the 2 mile road by vehicle from October to the end of May. This mean everyone has a close up view of them and most importantly in Winter they get to rest and feed more and don’t use energy flying unnecessarily. For people or children who find the walk from the car park to the hides a challenge you may cycle along the path from the car park to the hides though-out the year. There is no current through route from Elmley across the Island.

Can I cycle?

In order to ensure there is no disturbance to the wildlife and livestock, the use of drones (UAVs) is not permitted unless permission is specifically granted by us for specific areas.

Can I fly a drone?

As we are an independently run nature reserve, we are unable to support more than one organised group visit a day. Please contact us to book a group visit. Commercially run visits and groups are not permitted to operate from Elmley unless by prior arrangement. School and community visits are welcome free of charge.

I want to visit as a group?

Here at Elmley we are really aware of the changing seasons, and each bring their own wildlife spectacles. Please do get in touch to let us know any particular interests and we can advise. Tours are available.

When is the best time to visit to see wildlife?

The closest train station is Swale, on the Sheerness line. Trains from London Victoria, St Pancras and Stratford Intl go directly to Sittingbourne. From Sittingbourne you can pick up a taxi (around 15 mins drive) or change to get a train to Swale (3 miles from Elmley).

How far are you from the nearest train station?

Registered carers are welcome to attend with a Friend of Elmley, there is no additional charge

I am disabled, can I bring my carer

Yes, you can, please purchase a gift voucher<a href="https://elmleynaturereserve.giftpro.co.uk/vouchers/friends-of-elmley-gift-voucher/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> here</a>

Can I give membership as a Gift

We do not have a café on site. You are welcome to bring your own picnic to enjoy out on the reserve or our designated picnic benches.

Reconnect with nature

Discover a wilderness in North Kent. A huge, wild landscape filled with birds, it is a place to reconnect and recharge

Book A Safari or Wildlife Experience

Opening times & dates

Download A Map Of The Reserve

Curlew Recovery Project

Friends of Elmley

What to expect

Extend your visit with a stay