The Swale

The Swale is a tidal channel in the Thames estuary that separates the Isle of Sheppey from the Kent mainland. On its banks lies a 6,509.4-hectare biological Site of Special Scientific Interest stretching from Sittingbourne to Whitstable. It is also a Ramsar wetland and a Special Protection Area for birds under EU rules. Parts of it are Grade I Nature Conservation Review sites and managed by Kent Wildlife Trust. The name comes from Old English and means ‘swirling, rushing river’. The Swale was once a valley opening eastwards before rising sea levels turned it into a channel. During Roman times it was wider, with Harty as a separate island. Two old ferries once crossed here until marshlands joined Harty back to Sheppey. The channel still needs regular dredging for small boats. Two bridges now span its western end: Kingsferry Bridge and the Sheppey Crossing. The Swale supports rare plants such as eel grass and golden samphire, which feed uncommon butterflies and moths. Since 1968 it has been a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Birdlife includes at least 17 per cent of Britain’s breeding pied avocets and 15 per cent of marsh harriers. Other visitors are Mediterranean gulls, bar-tailed godwits and Eurasian golden plovers. The wide mudflats and saltmarshes make it a key stop for migrating species.