On a sunny Saturday morning in September, my wife, son Oliver and daughter Emily set off to explore a reserve we had not visited before.

We got in the car to visit Holborough Marshes. There were plenty of spaces when we arrived to park along Church Road to gain access. We realised Snodland train station was also nearby soin the future, to make it more of a family adventure, we will use the train as it’s only a short walk away.

We walked along the foot path and turned right to enter the reserve. We noticed how peaceful the reserve was and how well-maintained the walkways were -suitable for pushchairs which was perfect for us!

We saw some ponies on our walk as well as red admiral butterflies making their way across the stream. Lots of gooseberries were on show and at one stage, we had a beautiful view of the river Medway. We come across some lovely people on our walk and Emily loved exploring something different around every corner.

The reserve was great for insect spotting, in the summer fields buzz with dragonfly and damselfly activity. I heard you can spot bright blues, yellows and reds of emperor dragonflies, 4-spot chasers and ruddy darters. And if you are lucky, you may glimpse the metallic green and bronze of banded and beautiful demoiselles, our largest damselflies. As we were walking, and to the amusement of my children, we also saw a grey squirrel dash out in front of us to climb another tree.

We took drinks with us to stop and admire the beautiful views and set off to finish the last circuit of the reserve. The last bit was a little bumpy, which Oliver loved in his pushchair.

It’s a great free activity to spend together with the family, outside and exploring nature. I would recommend going when its dry.

We spent over an hour at the reserve in all but it could easily be made into a longer trip. There is also a fantastic antique’s store in Snodland to have a rummage about in or a  a short walk away, you can enjoy a local  café, turning the trip into a morning full of activity

We are now looking to go and explore another nature reserve. Where shall we visit next?

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More about Holborough Marshes

• Address:  Church Field, Snodland, Kent, ME6 5FB
• Nearest train station: Snodland
• OS Map Reference:  TQ706622
• What3words: wishes.crazy.weeps

Holborough marshes is a Patchwork of wet fields and scrub which is home to many rare and unusual plants including the water vole. Only a 6 minute walk from Snodland Train Station, you can make Holborough Marches a great day out.

Holborough Marshes is a Tarmac owned nature reserve and for the past 25 years there has been a successful partnership in which Tarmac has supported the work of Kent Wildlife Trust in managing the reserve.

Learn more about Holborough Marshes