Exploring the Wild Islands of the Swale and Medway Estuaries: Nature, history, and adventure.

The Swale and Medway estuaries are home to a fascinating array of islands, each with its own unique story and ecological significance. From nature reserves teeming with wildlife to sites rich in history and maritime lore, these islands are a destination for the adventurous.

While many are inaccessible or restricted to protect their delicate ecosystems, exploring the surrounding waters by kayak, paddleboard, unveils a world of natural beauty and hidden history.

Deadmans Island: A Haunting Past

Situated opposite Queenborough on the Isle of Sheppey, Deadmans Island is steeped in chilling tales and historical significance. This low-lying mudbank, now an important bird sanctuary owned by Natural England, gained notoriety in 2016 when rising tides revealed human bones and coffins believed to belong to prisoners who died aboard 19th-century prison hulks. Although access is prohibited, its eerie stories of ghostly hounds and tragic history add to its mysterious allure.

Landing is not permitted on Deadmans Island but it can be approached by paddleboarding from Queenborough – check out our paddleboard to Deadmans Island route

Looking out over Deadman’s Island

Burntwick Island: Smugglers and Seabirds

Once a notorious hideout for smugglers, Burntwick Island is now a haven for seabirds. Accessed by kayak (with restrictions during nesting season), this raised marshland in the Medway estuary has remnants of its storied past, including a shepherd’s seawall, a grave of a heroic naval doctor, and Victorian pottery from its days as a refuse dump. Despite its serene appearance, the island’s history echoes tales of smuggling, disease, and military operations.

Hoo and Darnet Islands

Hoo and Darnet Islands: Guardians of the Medway

The circular forts of Hoo and Darnet Islands, built in 1872 to defend Chatham Naval Dockyard from potential French invasion, are intriguing relics of military history. Though abandoned and partially flooded, these islands can be explored by paddleboard or kayak. Visitors can still imagine the once-imposing underwater boom strung between them, designed to halt enemy ships during wartime. The forts are best accessed at high tide from The Strand in Gillingham – check out our route to paddleboard to the Medway Islands

St Mary’s Island: A Modern Maritime Legacy

Unlike the other islands, St Mary’s Island is connected to the mainland and boasts a vibrant modern community alongside its rich naval history. Once part of Chatham Dockyard, the island played roles ranging from shipbuilding to housing nuclear waste. Today, its riverside walks, cycling paths, and striking sculptures like The Mariners blend heritage with contemporary charm. Visitors can enjoy sweeping views of Upnor Castle and the River Medway while discovering this dynamic island’s past and present. It also has a popular watersports centre run by the Chatham Maritime Trust https://www.cmtrust.co.uk/play/water-sports/

St Marys Island, Chatham Docks, Kent

Hidden Islands in Kent’s Wild Salt Marshes

Beyond the larger islands lie the salt marshes and saltings of the Medway and Swale estuaries. The islands of the Medway marshes are inaccessible except by boat and kayak and include Hoo Salt Marsh; Bishop Saltings; Nor Marsh; Gillingham Marshes; Oakham Marsh; Sharfleet Saltings; Slayhills Saltings; Millfordhope Saltings; and Greenborough Marshes. The Swale Estuary is home to a number of small low lying islands including The Lilies, Fowley Island, Flanders Mare and Horse Sands. Landing is not recommended as they are important nature reserves. It is possible to explore the surrounding estuary via kayak, paddleboard or private boat at high tide

These areas, accessible only by boat or kayak, are vital ecosystems for birdlife and other wildlife. While they may not have the dramatic stories of other islands, their untouched beauty and ecological importance make them a must-see for nature enthusiasts

A World Waiting to Be Discovered

The islands of the Swale and Medway estuaries are a testament to the region’s rich tapestry of history, nature, and adventure. Whether exploring their waters by kayak or delving into their fascinating pasts, these islands offer a journey into Kent’s hidden coastal treasures. Each visit reveals something new, from wildlife sanctuaries to historical landmarks, making them a unique and rewarding destination.

Kent Marshes