Oare marshes
Tim Horton

Oare Marshes

Of international importance for migratory, overwintering and breeding wetland birds, the reserve consists of grazing marsh (one of a few left in Kent) with freshwater dykes, open water scrapes, reedbed, saltmarsh and seawall.

Price: Charged Parking – Weekdays: £2.50 | Weekends: £3.50

Opening hours: open at all times
Best time to visit: all year round
RingGo: 694764 | Phone: 02030 460010

  • Bird hides

  • Dog walking

  • Parking

Size: 81 hectares.

Parking information: Charged Parking – Weekdays: £2.50 | Weekends: £3.50

Bicycle parking: Yes. Please do not cycle on the Public Right of Way as it is not wide enough.

Grazing animals: Sussex and Sussex Angus cross Cattle are on site all year round.

Walking trails: Stay on circular footpaths, please enjoy visiting the viewing hides.

Dogs: On a lead. Please stay on the public right of way at all times to avoid damaging habitats and disturbing wildlife year round. Enjoy responsibly by keeping dogs out of the water, ditches and salt marsh habitat.

Seasonally accessible for wheelchair users, in wet conditions it's not possible to complete a circuit to the east hide. There are RADAR gates, the path to the sea hide is surfaced with compacted roadstone and is level. All visitors to stay on circular footpaths.

About the reserve

Of international importance for migratory, overwintering and breeding wetland birds, the reserve consists of grazing marsh (one of a few left in Kent) with freshwater dykes, open water scrapes, reedbed, saltmarsh and seawall.

When to Visit

Opening times: Open at all times. Volunteer work parties take place at Oare Marshes on Monday and Wednesdays undertaking habitat management. Be aware that essential management can sometimes be noisy and if you are concerned it may disturb your visit consider visiting on a different day. If you would like to get involved, please visit our volunteering page.

Contact Us

If you need to get in touch regarding Oare Marshes, for any reason, please contact Area Warden, Nadia:

Nadia Ward

Contact number: 01622 662012
Contact email: [email protected]

Environmental designation

  • Environmentally Sensitive Area
  • Local Nature Reserve (LNR)
  • Ramsar
  • Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
  • Special Protection Areas (SPA)