Elmley, Kingshill Farm

If as walkers, you enjoy both varied birdlife, landscape and ruins then Elmley Nature Reserve may be worth a visit. We chose to go by foot. Car (entrance fee) users are the preference of the privately managed nature reserve which also offers residential stays. We ventured from Swale station, under the bridge (tide allowing ) and via public footpaths taking us to the old cement works (edge of Thames estuary) from which Elmley (1640-1961) village originally grew and prospered. There we found buildings remnants (kilns, factory foundations, masonry debris, shoreline bricks, wooden boat carcass ). Moving inland along PF's we eventually reached area of Elmley village proper; school house ruin, long grasses, pasture; idyllic beauty. Wild flowers in abundance, ancient tree groupings (oak) and hints of Elmley church location (Google images) before it's demolition 50/60's. Signage at entry into village area sensibly advises visitors to remain on gravel track. However further along we needed to step aside for passing cars (frequent). During the nesting season, as helpfully pointed out by passing warden, walkers must keep too road rather than verges. In the absence of signage, as novice birdwatchers, had we not had this advice we would have remained unaware (lapwings can nest in verges). We completed our walk at ENR main car entrance. Overall a beautiful, tranquil and well maintained stretch of land and estuary. Well worth a visit.