Immersive wildlife experiences at Elmley.
Elmley National Nature Reserve covers 3,300 acres brimming with wildlife. Make the most of your time here with an expert led tour.
4x4 Land Rover Safaris
An off-road adventure to discover Elmley’s wildlife jewels!
Our Land Rover 4x4 tour is the perfect opportunity for our guests to explore the wildest parts of the Reserve, with our Reserve Warden and Head Guide, Simon
Whilst discovering the breath-taking views of the vast marshland landscape, with bright, wide-open skies, you can soak in some of nature’s ‘goodness’ with your very own guide and binoculars to help you along the way.
Unfortunately this tour is unsuitable for children under 2 years or for pregnant women. Please be aware this vehicle has two high steps to climb to reach the seating. BOOK
Dusk Walking Tours
Dusk along the marsh can be absolutely incredible, as the sun sets you will be able to witness Marsh Harriers soaring back to their single reedbed roosts, Hobbys snatching up dragonflies, Peregrine falcons whizzing past and dancing Bearded Reedlings, against orange blue skies. Waders and wildfowl will be heading back to their roosts after a day of feeding and preening, preparing themselves for the Autumn season which is rapidly approaching, along with possible Barn owls and Little owls coming out to hunt!
This walking tour is at a gentle walking pace with several stops but a moderate level of fitness is required. BOOK
Morning Wildlife Wander
Enjoy a late morning walking safari to best wildlife close to the farm. Each walk is different, and dependent on the time of year. Fluttering Butterflies and speeding Dragonflies, to soaring raptors such as Marsh Harrier, Buzzard, Peregrine Falcon and not to mention our resident Owls! All possible within a 2-hour walk. BOOK
Private Tour
For a fully immersive experience, book a bespoke private tour around the Reserve covering our wildlife, history and landscape with our head guide, Simon.
Walking and 4x4 tours are available and each tour will be tailored to your interests and the wildlife activity on the day.
simon@elmleynaturereserve.co.uk
Butterfly and Dragonfly Experience
Beginning with a short introduction to Elmley, our butterflies and dragonflies, Simon will then guide you to the best spots for the species active at that period. We will head out on foot or via the 4x4 to the best spots on the Reserve, finishing in Kingshill Farmhouse with hot drink and cake.
Depending on the month we will look, butterfly species could include skippers, Small Heath, Brown Argus, Marbled Whites, Green Hairstreak, and many more. As well as the variety of species here, many visitors’ highlights are the numbers and density of these populations. Dragonflies could include our 4 Emerald Damselfly species, Hawkers including Southern Migrant Hawker & Norfolk Hawker, Chasers, Darters, and Hairy Dragonfly. BOOK
Owl and Bird of Prey Experience
Starting in the Farmhouse garden with a glass of English Sparkling, and a selection of Kentish Cheese and Biscuits, Simon our Head Guide, will introduce you to Elmley, our owls and the birds of prey to be spotted. Keep your eyes peeled for the pair of Barn Owls hunting across the marsh, that house in the Oak Trees in the garden itself.
Setting off on foot, Simon will guide you to the best spots for locating our resident Little Owls, Marsh Harriers, Kestrels, Hobby’s, and if you are lucky the Long-eared Owls and Peregrine Falcons. Watch these magnificent birds hunting for their supper, using their cunning, stealth and skill. BOOK
Children's Activities
Head off on an adventure with our Nature Guides. Our children's activities are interactive and engaging.
For bug hunting we will follow the tree line towards the old school house. The woodland is the place to go for bugs! We hope to see many dragonflies, damselflies, butterflies, bumblebees, beetles and much more.
For pond dipping we will make our way to the pontoon on the pond.
We will provide all of the equipment required BOOK