Kent

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://kent.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/09/Elmley_Nature_Kingshill_Farmhouse_Exterior_____Drone_0140.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-45374" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/09/Elmley_Nature_Kingshill_Farmhouse_Exterior_____Drone_0140.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/09/Elmley_Nature_Kingshill_Farmhouse_Exterior_____Drone_0140-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/09/Elmley_Nature_Kingshill_Farmhouse_Exterior_____Drone_0140-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/09/Elmley_Nature_Kingshill_Farmhouse_Exterior_____Drone_0140-150x100.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/09/Elmley_Nature_Kingshill_Farmhouse_Exterior_____Drone_0140-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/09/Elmley_Nature_Kingshill_Farmhouse_Exterior_____Drone_0140-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">THE WHERE?&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>



Who needs to leave the country for a safari holiday when you have Elmley Nature Reserve waiting in Kent for you? With 3,300 acres at its disposal, Elmley is positioned on the edge of the Isle of Sheppey and is the only family-owned and managed National Nature Reserve in the country where you can stay overnight should you wish to extend the experience. And we are pretty certain that you will…&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://kent.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/elmley-nature-reserve.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-71635" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/elmley-nature-reserve.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/elmley-nature-reserve-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/elmley-nature-reserve-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/elmley-nature-reserve-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/elmley-nature-reserve-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/elmley-nature-reserve-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Yes, you may have heard a few jokes about Sheppey in your time but cast that panto humour aside as in our humble opinion, it is one of Kent&#8217;s hidden gems with some beautiful beaches and is teaming with wildlife. Elmley is internationally recognised for the conservation of rare birds, plants, animals, and insects so if you want to get immersed in nature, this is the one for you. &nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">THE EXPERIENCE&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>



We booked in for a day trip at Elmley during February half term with Abbie who is Elmley’s resident nature guide. You couldn’t wish for a more animated person in charge as she is young and incredibly passionate about our flighty friends, and those enthusiasm levels for birds ran deep with some very fetching owl earrings.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="562" src="https://kent.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/elmley-nature-reserve-2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-71637" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/elmley-nature-reserve-2.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/elmley-nature-reserve-2-800x450.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/elmley-nature-reserve-2-400x225.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/elmley-nature-reserve-2-768x432.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/elmley-nature-reserve-2-900x506.jpg 900w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



A friend and I joined with our collective children (ranging from 4 to 10 years old) and Abbie kick-started the session by teaching them how to make fat balls for the birds this winter as they prepare for breeding. This was a messy one as you need to roll fat balls of marge into bird seeds with string hooks to hang on the trees, but all ages embraced it, and hand-washing facilities are in easy reach. &nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://kent.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/elmley-nature-reserve-3.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-71638" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/elmley-nature-reserve-3.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/elmley-nature-reserve-3-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/elmley-nature-reserve-3-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/elmley-nature-reserve-3-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/elmley-nature-reserve-3-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/elmley-nature-reserve-3-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Abbie led us on walk around the Reserve so we could hang the fat balls and spot birds along the way. Four out of the five British owls reside at Elmley and we were really unlucky not to spot some on our walk that Abbie had seen resting earlier on that day but plenty of fun facts were shared along the way including Abbie’s recreation of a Woodcock strutting its stuff to the children’s immense amusement. &nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://kent.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/elmley-nature-reserve-4.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-71639" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/elmley-nature-reserve-4.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/elmley-nature-reserve-4-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/elmley-nature-reserve-4-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/elmley-nature-reserve-4-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/elmley-nature-reserve-4-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



It was also amazing to witness how many trees are being planted at Elmley as part of its conservation process and we know that this got the Royal approval when HRH Prince of Wales visited Elmley earlier on this year. &nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="665" src="https://kent.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/02/elmley-nature-reserve.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-68709" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/02/elmley-nature-reserve.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/02/elmley-nature-reserve-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/02/elmley-nature-reserve-720x479.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/02/elmley-nature-reserve-150x100.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/02/elmley-nature-reserve-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/02/elmley-nature-reserve-789x525.jpg 789w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Once the lard had been washed off our fingers, we were ready for some food and Elmley has recently opened its new Cowshed Café.&nbsp;It’s picnic friendly fayre so nice and simple, and you can take it away to enjoy around the Reserve or keep it cosy inside with the wood burner if the weather is not in your favour plus board games are available too if you really need to escape the elements. &nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://kent.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/elmley-nature-reserve-5.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-71640" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/elmley-nature-reserve-5.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/elmley-nature-reserve-5-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/elmley-nature-reserve-5-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/elmley-nature-reserve-5-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/elmley-nature-reserve-5-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/elmley-nature-reserve-5-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



We ordered a medley of sausages rolls and cheese toasties for the kids plus soup and hot drinks are also on offer and since weather was on our side, an impromptu game of rugby took place on the green outside alongside our girls doing their best gymnastic moves. I am sure the birds appreciated the sporting show.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">NEED TO KNOW&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>



The children&#8217;s activities are £7 per child, and day entry is £6 per adult. Should you head this Spring, our friends at Elmley tell us that you can expect swooping displays and the ‘peewit’ call of Lapwing over the marsh, summer migrants from far afield and passage birds and you may even spot a brown hare which are common in ‘mad’ March and April.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="562" src="https://kent.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/elmley-nature-reserve-6.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-71642" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/elmley-nature-reserve-6.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/elmley-nature-reserve-6-800x450.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/elmley-nature-reserve-6-400x225.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/elmley-nature-reserve-6-768x432.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/elmley-nature-reserve-6-900x506.jpg 900w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



From 5th June, you don’t need to leave as you can book one of their spectacular bell tents. You can choose from a number of locations as the Meadow Tents face east across the Nature Reserve so you can wake up to beautiful views and sunrises or The Sapling Bell Tents which are nestled near to its newly planted woodland with plenty of space, views across the hay meadows, and hares and sky larks for company.&nbsp;&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="665" src="https://kent.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/elmley-nature-reserve-7.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-71643" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/elmley-nature-reserve-7.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/elmley-nature-reserve-7-800x532.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/elmley-nature-reserve-7-400x266.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/elmley-nature-reserve-7-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/elmley-nature-reserve-7-789x525.jpg 789w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



You will be pleased to hear all of their tents make the most of the space and wild setting of Elmley and are positioned well-apart so every guest has privacy along with plenty of space to run and wander so you don’t need to worry about noise levels or interrupting honeymooning couples next door…&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://kent.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/elmley-cottage.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-71645" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/elmley-cottage.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/elmley-cottage-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/elmley-cottage-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/elmley-cottage-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/elmley-cottage-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



And if glamping doesn’t float your boat, go all out by renting Elmley Cottage with friends (sleeps 10) or taking one of their Shepherd’s huts as some can accommodate children on a small pull-out bed or a hammock swinging overhead if the second child is under six. &nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://kent.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/elmley-nature-reserve-9.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-71644" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/elmley-nature-reserve-9.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/elmley-nature-reserve-9-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/elmley-nature-reserve-9-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/elmley-nature-reserve-9-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/elmley-nature-reserve-9-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/elmley-nature-reserve-9-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Have we sold you yet…? The Lapwings await…&nbsp;



Elmley National Nature Reserve, Elmley, Isle of Sheppey, Kent ME12 3RW, Email: <a href="mailto:stay@elmleynaturereserve.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)">stay@elmleynaturereserve.co.uk</a>, tel: 07930 847520, <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="www.elmleynaturereserve.co.uk (opens in a new tab)" style="font-style: italic" href="http://www.elmleynaturereserve.co.uk" target="_blank">elmleynaturereserve.co.uk</a>.

Embrace Wildlife at Elmley Nature Reserve

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