Swale Estuary

About the Swale Estuary

From the Isle of Sheppey and Sittingbourne through Faversham to Whitstable, this coastline has played a pivotal role on the national and international stage throughout the ages. 

The entirety of the Swale Estuary is a Marine Conservation Zone, protected for its diverse intertidal habitat. The saltmarshes and mudflats along the estuary are a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and support a high diversity of plants and invertebrates as well as overwintering and breeding birds. 

We're exploring the region’s compelling tapestry of stories ranging from:

• Prehistoric use of the waterways
• Roman occupation
• Sailing barges serving local industry
• War-time defences
• Shellfish collecting.

We’ll be recording how factors like climate change are increasingly altering the landscape as well as the ways of life that people have built around this special place. 

Get involved 

Between 2025 - 2027 we’ll be working with local community groups, heritage institutions and community hubs to deliver: 

• workshops 
• creative projects 
• coastal archaeology recording sessions 
• walks, talks, and more! 

Check out our events page to find out what’s happening near you. You can also follow us on social media to be the first to hear about our activities.