Gazen Salts Nature Reserve

The Gazen Salts Nature Reserve is a 15-acre site which was originally reclaimed grazing meadow. In 1973, work began on transforming the whole area into a nature reserve - ponds and ditches were dug, trees and shrubs planted and a lake created.  Having flourished in the intervening years, the site was inundated in the 2013 Sandwich floods but is now coming back to life in abundance.

Last year, the Environment Agency revitalised the waterways and opened up the bankside areas to many native meadow plants. These in turn, will provide an abundance of food for an improved and increasing biodiversity including butterflies, pollinating invertebrates, dragon- and damselflies, small mammals, amphibians, reptiles and birds. The habitat also attracts large numbers of wintering wildfowl and waders from the Arctic that find sanctuary in the reserve, while breeding waterfowl and other wetland species occur in the summer. A recent nest-box scheme has resulted in eight broods of Blue Tits and two of Great Tits fledging.

So, there is much to see and enjoy for all age groups.

The Reserve is situated off Strand Street in Sandwich, Kent (see map). Drive into Sandwich on the A257 over the level crossing, take the third turning on the left (opposite The Kings Arms Public house) where parking is available. Walk through the main gate along the top of the cricket pitch (nearest the road) and the entrance is on the right. Visiting from the A256 drive through the Town following the one-way system until reaching a T-junction in Harnet Street. Turn left, and then right opposite. The Kings Arms public house. Buses & trains are within 15 minutes walk away.

There are no opening restrictions and admission is free of charge. Donations are greatly appreciated and are vital to continuing our work.

Please keep to the paths, enjoy your visit and take your litter home! Please note, dogs are not permitted on the Nature Reserve.