What’s there?

You can enter Cliffe Marshes from several locations; there is a free car park at the end of Salt Lane, follow the signs for the RSPB Cliffe Pools. St. Helens Church has a free carpark that you can park in, next to the church green and public toilets, you can then follow the path through the church to the top of Pond Hill, at the bottom of Pond Hill you will find the marshes and farmland. There is also an entrance at the end of Buttway Lane, there is no parking here and the entrance is quite concealed.

Once you are into the marshes you will find lots of unmade mud and gravel paths, so make sure you have appropriate footwear and this location is not very suitable for wheelchair users or pushchairs. There are several trails to take throughout the marsh and lots of windy paths that lead you between the pools. This a great place to get lost looking for a Gruffalo or going on a Bear Hunt, we like taking our buckets and having a scavenger hunt. The RSPB website has a good trail guide to help you navigate around the pools. Whilst you are walking around you will see plenty of wildlife and in late summer, early autumn you can find copious amounts of blackberries, elderberries, sloes and damsons lining the hedgerows around the pools.

Close by

St Helen’s church was built around 1000 years ago and has some beautiful features and an active role in the community.

Cliffe Park is a 5 minute walk from St. Helens Church car park. Here you will find play equipment for all ages and a small village shop.

Cliffe Woods Park is approximately 1.5 miles away.

Gallery

How to find it…

The RSPB carpark can be found on Salt Lane, Cliffe, Rochester, ME3 7SX St. Helens Church car park can be found on Church Street, Cliffe, Rochester, ME3 7PY

What to take

• Good footwear and appropriate clothing
• A change of clothes (for smaller visitors)
• Plenty to eat and drink
• Bicycles, this is a great place to go for a long ride.
• Picnic Blankets