Gazen Salts Nature Reserve

Gazen Salts is a 15 acre man-made Nature Reserve. Created in 1973 from featureless fields of grazed pastures, old allotments, disused refuse tip and builders' yard, it was designed by local naturalist Dennis Harle. Its name is derived from a 17th century lease holder of the saltings, one John Gason.

A wide range of habitats have been created and managed for the benefit of wildlife. Some 60 species of trees and shrubs have been planted attracting over 160 recorded species of birds, 30 of which breed regularly, including 10 species of summer migrants.

The Lake & Waterways

Caution Deep Water

Most are fed via a sluice gate , connected to the nearby tidal River Stour. The resulting brackish
water supports wildlife such as WATER VOLES, WATER SHREWS, KINGFISHERS and MOORHENS throughout the year and during the summer reedbeds support REED and SEDGE WARBLERS and in winter WATER RAILS are present. The rear of the main lake is left undisturbed to provide shelter for breeding and wintering wildfowl, such as MALLARD, TUFTED DUCK, POCHARD, SHOVELER and occasionally PINTAIL occur.

Woodland Walk

A mixture of hedges and maturing trees form wooded areas a round the perimeter of the reserve. A wildflower introduction programme is ongoing to increase plant diversity. Species such as PRIMROSES, DOG & SWEET VIOLET, PINK CAMPION, LESSER CELANDINE AND BUGLE are a common sight. SPECKLED WOOD butterflies are often seen tumbling through the air in pairs. GREEN and GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKERS, SPARROWHAWKS and BLACKCAPS are among the regularly seen birds species.

The Round Pond

Caution Deep Water

The only freshwater on the reserve, this small pond aims to recreate the colourful wetland verges which are fast disappearing. YELLOW IRIS, MARSH MALLOW, MEADOWSWEET, RAGGED ROBIN, CUCKOO FLOWER and MARSH MARIGOLD are just some of the plants of interest. Other wildlife such as FROGS, NEWTS, DAMSELFLIES, DRAGONFLIES AND GRASS SNAKES all occur here.
CAUTION ALL WATERWAYS ARE DECEPTIVELY DEEP

Location

The reserve is situated off Strand Street in Sandwich, Kent.

Drive in to Sandwich on the A257 over the level crossing, take the third turning on the left (opposite The Kings Arms pub) where parking is available.
Visiting from the A256 drive through the Town follow the one way system until reaching a
T junction in Harnet Street, turn left, and then right opposite The Kings Arms pub.

Buses & trains are within 15 minutes walk away

SOCIAL ASPECTS OF GAZEN SALTS NATURE RESERVE

Lesser known areas of our work but held in equal importance are the many community based projects we carry out. These are broad in range and some are listed below for your interest:

• Working with disabled schools visiting the reserve.
• Providing a place of study for schools and colleges.
• Providing quality work experience placements for local schools and colleges. During which time students are taught a schedule of new skills to improve career and personal development. Often these placements are tailored to the meet the goals of students. We are registered with over 60 schools to provide these and currently demand greatly exceeds availability.
• A wide range of volunteering opportunities are provided including working with people with disabilities and learning difficulties.
• Working with other organisations to provide a 1-3 month training programme for young people between the ages of 18-25 who find difficulty in finding employment, and are now expanding that age range right up to retirement. This environment is often ideal to build the confidence and abilities of young people to renter the work place.

For all who work with us references are available and we are happy to stay in touch and offer support after their time with us is completed.