Oare Marshes, near Faversham, is one of the few grazing marshes left in Kent and of significant importance for migratory birds
Kent Wildlife Trust is now the proud owner of an Internationally Important Nature Reserve near Faversham, after the company Tarmac transferred the deeds over to the charity as a gift.
The trust has leased and managed Oare Marshes since 1984 from Tarmac, running it as one of its flagship reserves.
The new ownership has been described as a ‘Marsh Milestone’ by Kent Wildlife Trust, which is delighted to have secured this precious jewel in the crown of Kent’s nature reserves for future generations to come.
A clause in the lease from Tarmac stated that Kent Wildlife Trust could purchase the freehold of the site after 25 years, and as that date approaches, the company generously agreed to hand over the 69 hectares of rare wildlife habitat to the trust, with the charity only covering the legal fees.
It is estimated that around 250 bird species can be found at Oare Marshes, including Bearded Tit, Avocet, waders and ducks. In summer the site is home to European Turtle Doves, Little Ringed Plover and warblers. As autumn closes, its visitors can catch a glimpse of Curlew Sandpiper, Dunlin, Spotted Redshank, Little Stint, Whimbrel and Common Greenshank.
Locals also travel to the site to bottle water from the fresh artesian well. The natural spring, which reaches 250 feet into the earth, was tapped by the local Mining Machinery and Improvement Company in the early 1900s. Local sailors were said to drink from the well, and the surrounding marshland and wildlife rely on the spring’s flowing water.
Oare Marshes is a key steppingstone in the broader Swale complex of sites, including Elmley, South Swale and Seasalter. Surrounding farmland areas are grazed and managed through agricultural-environment schemes and the network of ditches across the landscape provides significant connectivity for species such as the water vole.
Kent Wildlife Trust’s Simon Bateman-Brown says: 'We are extremely grateful to Tarmac for allowing us to take on the ownership of this Internationally Important Nature Reserve, having managed it together for more than 40 years. This moment is a ‘Marsh Milestone’ for this exceptional site, which is a precious habitat for so many important species.
'While very little will change in terms of the day-to-day management of the reserve, it does mean Oare Marshes is protected for the future.'
Michael Charlton, mineral estates manager at Tarmac, says: 'Kent Wildlife Trust are a valued partner to Tarmac. Since taking on the lease of Oare Marshes, they have done a brilliant job transforming the site into a hugely important nature reserve. We are delighted to permanently place this site into their care and look forward to seeing the reserve continue to support so many vital species.'
If you’d like to visit, book a Wilder Kent Safari at Oare Marshes with one of Kent Wildlife Trust's expert guides. Dates are available throughout the year: kentwildlifetrust.org.uk
