North Kent Marshes

Enjoy stunning views of the Thames Estuary and Marshes with a visit to Shorne Marshes to the east of Gravesend. Internationally recognized for the importance of its marine and terrestrial habitats, the marshes are part of the North Kent Marshes that extend for around 15 km along the south side of the Thames estuary.

There are always many birds to see on the coastal grazing marsh, saltmarsh and mudflats with breeding, passage and wintering waterfowl and farmland birds; supporting struggling species, such as Lapwing and Redshank, nationally rare and scarce plant species, as well as endangered, vulnerable and rare invertebrate species.

Recognising the role that these marshes have in supporting internationally important bird populations, the Marshes are included as part of the Thames Estuary and Marshes Special Protection Area and Ramsar site.

Visitor access to Shorne Marshes is via the Saxon Shore Way, which offers a walk along the Thames from Gravesend or Cliffe Pools. Cyclists can also visit the Shorne Marshes nature reserve using the Sustrans track, which runs alongside the Thames & Medway Canal to the south of the reserve.