Gazen Salts Nature Reserve

A haven for wildlife accessible from Strand Street in Sandwich, where you can stroll along the banks of the River Stour, soak up the wonderful surroundings and maybe spot kingfishers and other wonders.

Attraction Sandwich

Where

Gazen Salts Nature Reserve
Strand Street
Sandwich
Kent
CT13 9HN

What3words location

surely.progress.gravitate

Useful info

  • Family-friendly
  • Off-site parking (charges may apply)
  • Nature-positive initiatives
  • Public transport nearby
  • Guide dogs, Hearing dogs and Registered assistance dogs welcome
  • Dog-friendly
  • Food and drink on site
  • Toilets on site

Admission

Free entry

Contact

Established in 1973, Gazen Salts Nature Reserve is an established 15-acre site edged on three sides by the River Stour managed and maintained by a dedicated group of volunteers. Habitats include woodland, wetland and meadow. There is a peaceful lake with seating to sit and watch the resident wildfowl. Herons, kingfishers, squirrels, woodland birds and butterflies are among the possible sightings.

  • Footpaths around the reserve are surfaced with wood chippings which can become muddy in very wet weather, but pushchairs and wheelchairs can access the main paths more easily during dry weather.
  • There is a public pay and display car park on Strand Street adjacent to the reserve; alternatively the reserve is a five-minute walk from The Quay.
  • To protect sensitive ecosystems from fouling or disturbance, there is a strict no dog policy (except for assistance dogs).
  • Families are very welcome.
  • There's a buggy and bike park near the entrance for you to park your wheels while you explore the woodland paths.
  • Open 7 days a week.
  • Heron photographed at Gazen Salts Nature Reserve
    Great white egret photographed at Gazen Salts Nature Reserve
  • Butterfly photographed at Gazen Salts Nature Reserve
    Speckled wood butterfly photographed at Gazen Salts Nature Reserve
  • Gazen Salts Nature Reserve
    Wildfowl at Gazen Salts Nature Reserve