Wilder Kent Experiences: From Industry to Sanctuary at Oare Marshes

Oare Marshes forms part of the North Kent Marshes and is one of the remnants of the grazing marsh that used to cover this area. It has a fascinating history and, far from the haven for wildlife it is today, would have been a hive of activity between the 18th and early 20th centuries when it was at the centre of the country’s gunpowder manufacturing industry.

Evidence of this surprising history can be found across the reserve, and Area Warden Nadia will point out features and remains of structures you may otherwise miss but which demonstrate the power of nature in reclaiming this landscape.

The reserve has been managed by Kent Wildlife Trust since 1984, and Nadia is now responsible for caring for the reserve for the benefit of wildlife. There are 81 hectares of grazing marsh, salt marsh, freshwater dykes and reedbeds, and as you explore these habitats you’ll discover how they are managed and learn about the wide range of wildlife they support.

The marshes are now internationally significant for migratory, over-wintering birds, as well as breeding warblers during the summer. Working at Oare throughout the year, Nadia is the best person to show you every season’s highlights on the reserve, and she’ll be ready to point out and help you identify any species you come across as you walk.

The walking route will include a mixture of footpaths and non-surfaced areas, so it is likely to be muddy and uneven in places.

Please note there are no toilet facilities at the reserve, and no refreshments are available to purchase on site. You are welcome to bring your own snacks and drinks with you, and a bottle of water is recommended.

Our reserves team are used to working outdoors in all weathers, so we aim to go ahead with these experiences wherever possible. On occasion the warden may decide conditions are extreme enough to cancel the planned date, either because they'll be unable to deliver the event to a high enough quality or because it is unsafe to go ahead. If this is the case you will be offered an alternative date or refund. Unfortunately, we cannot refund tickets if the event takes place but you choose not to attend.

Please give us 30 days notice wherever possible if you are no longer able to attend. The small group sizes on these experiences mean cancellations have a large impact on the viability of the event, and it can be difficult to fill places at short notice or after an event has initially reached capacity. Thank you.

Parking charges apply at the Oare Marshes car park but you cn register for free parking for this event if you contact the team at least 3 days before. To receive free parking you must email the correct number plate of the car you will be using to [email protected], please include the date of the event you have booked and the name the booking was made in as part of your email.