Elmley's in-house wildlife guides will be hosting nature-based children's activities
Children's activities at Elmley this May half term
Elmley is the only family owned and managed National Nature Reserve in the UK. Located in North Kent, on the Isle of Sheppey, Elmley offers visitors of all ages the chance to connect and engage with nature, whether they are visiting for the day, or staying overnight. With breath-taking views across the grazing marshes, and the Swale to the south, the 3,300 acre estate is the perfect place for a family day out.
Arrive at the Reserve, and enjoy the 2 mile drive to Kingshill Farm from the entry gate, where from your car, you can have your own UK safari experience. Elmley is renowned for its conservation efforts, with particular focus on breeding wading birds. More than forty species of bird breed and raise their young at Elmley. Lapwing, redshank and grebe are some of the species that can be seen with their chicks. One of the most evocative sights during the spring has to be the swooping displays and 'peewit' call of lapwing over the marsh. Brown hares and their young leverets can also be spotted, as well as invertebrates such as butterflies and bees.
Walk the trails, head to the hides, and Elmley's in-house wildlife guides will be hosting nature-based children's activities on certain days at 11am, as well as a range of additional wildlife tours.
Refuel at Elmley's Cowshed Cafe which is open daily serving simple but delicious lunches, snacks and an array of refreshments.
Nature activities will take place from 11am to 12 noon, with a maximum of 8 taking part.
Activity schedule:
11.00am - Meet by the Cowshed Cafe
11.05am - Walk to the ponds in search for marsh frogs, grass snakes, little grebe chicks and ducklings
11.30am - Arrive at Schoolhouse in search for little owls, hares and marsh harries
11.45am - Head back to the Duck Pond, where there will be a chance to have a sit down on a picnic blanket and enjoy a baked snack.
The Reserve will be open from 9am to 5pm, Monday 30th & Tuesday 31stMay, and 11am to 6pm, on Sunday 5 June.
Tickets can be booked online. Half-term nature activities are priced at £7 per child, with pre-booking recommended, and children to be accompanied by an adult.
Day visit tickets are £6 for adults and children are free with an adult ticket purchase.
https://www.elmleynaturereserve.co.uk/spend-the-day
Elmley's bell tents will also be open for half term (from May 23rd) for families who might like to combine a visit with some glamping - go on give it a try. Find out more at https://www.elmleynaturereserve.co.uk/stay/woodland-bell-tents
Tickets can be booked online. Half-term nature activities are priced at £7 per child, with pre-booking recommended, and children to be accompanied by an adult.
Day visit tickets are £6 for adults and children are free with an adult ticket purchase.
Address
Children's Activities at Elmley Nature Reserve May Half Term
Elmley National Nature Reserve Kingshill Farm, Sheerness, Kent,
ME12 3RW
