RSPB Northward Hill

Northward Hill on the Isle of Grain is a nature reserve managed by the RSPB on a ridge overlooking the Thames Marshes and its resident marsh harriers. The woodland is famous for being the UK's largest heronry with over 150 pairs. In the last decade they have been joined by breeding little egrets. In spring, turtle doves, nightingales and warblers join breeding woodpeckers and tits, and the grasslands come alive with grasshoppers, crickets and spiders. The reserve also attracts large numbers of dragonflies in late summer and early autumn. Waymarked trails provide visitors with walks around the reserve and there are several viewpoints with benches. Dogs must be kept under control and are restricted to the footpaths.