Blackstump Creek

Sea, Estuary, Creek in Kent Swale

England

Blackstump Creek

Saltflats emerging from the ebbing tide The spring tide was at its highest about an hour before I took this shot but these grassy salt flats are normally visible at all states of the tide. The water beyond is Long Reach in the Swale and the far shore is Rushenden Marsh. This is the furthest north one can go on a public footpath on the Chetney peninsula, the Saxon Shore Way turns west here. — Saltflats emerging from the ebbing tide Credit: Penny Mayes

Blackstump Creek is a picturesque water body located in the county of Kent, England. It is known for its diverse ecosystem and its significance as both a sea and estuary creek. Spanning approximately 3 miles in length, it is situated near the coastal town of Blackstump and flows into the North Sea.

The creek is characterized by its brackish water, which is a mixture of saltwater and freshwater. This unique blend creates an ideal environment for a wide variety of flora and fauna to thrive. The surrounding area is rich in marshes, wetlands, and mudflats, which serve as habitats for numerous species of birds, fish, and other aquatic creatures.

Blackstump Creek is particularly popular among birdwatchers, as it attracts migratory birds during different seasons. Visitors can spot elegant wading birds such as herons, egrets, and curlews, along with seabirds like gulls and terns. The creek also supports a vibrant population of fish, including flounders, eels, and various species of sea bass.

In addition to its ecological significance, Blackstump Creek offers recreational opportunities for both locals and tourists. It is a favored spot for fishing enthusiasts, who often gather along its banks to cast their lines. Boating and kayaking are also popular activities, allowing visitors to explore the scenic waterway and its surrounding natural beauty.

Overall, Blackstump Creek in Kent is a stunning and biodiverse water body, offering a serene escape for nature lovers and providing a vital habitat for a range of wildlife.

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Blackstump Creek Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.401675/0.69828677 or Grid Reference TQ8770. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Saltflats emerging from the ebbing tide

The spring tide was at its highest about an hour before I took this shot but these grassy salt flats are normally visible at all states of the tide. The water beyond is Long Reach in the Swale and the far shore is Rushenden Marsh. This is the furthest north one can go on a public footpath on the Chetney peninsula, the Saxon Shore Way turns west here.

Penny Mayes

Pylon on Chetney Marsh

The pylons march north across the marsh to take power across the Medway at TQ8772 : Medway Cable Tunnel South Pylon. The body of water pictured here looks, from the map, to have been a tidal creek before the sea wall was built.

Penny Mayes

Chetney Marshes

Taken from the sea wall beside the Swale. The meandering dyke, shown by the line of brown reeds, must have carved its own channel as drainage dykes are usually straight. The group of men on the raised track just right of centre are a shooting party, presumably after wild fowl, the large flock of Canada geese Link was keeping out of their way but didn't seem particularly bothered about them. The pylons are taking power across the Medway via the cable tunnel. Clear visibility and the low lying land disguise the fact that the oil refinery on the right and Thamesport, obscured by the pylons, are in fact about 10 kilometres away across the River Medway on the Isle of Grain.

Penny Mayes

Chetney Marsh

The sea wall north of the Saxon Shore Way (no public access - for the protection of wildfowl). The map shows a lot more low-lying marsh between here and the Isle of Grain power station seen in the background but the high spring tide has swamped it. The small hump of land on the right is on the Isle of Sheppey near Rushenden.

Penny Mayes

Shooting party on Chetney Marsh

Moving off to try their luck on another part of the marsh.

Penny Mayes

Causeway and dyke, Chetney Marsh

The causeway carries the Saxon Shore Way which does not follow the shoreline right round the northern end of the peninsula but cuts across to the Old Counter Wall (an earlier sea wall) instead.

Penny Mayes

The importance of the sea wall

The full moon soon after the equinox brings a very high spring tide. Fortunately it has no wind behind it and the sea wall is doing its job, protecting the coastal grazing marshes on the right; an important habitat for wildlife and flora. Parts of Chetney Marshes have been returned to grazing from arable in order to replace similar land lost to the improved A249 and new Sheppey Bridge (seen in the background).

Penny Mayes

We have lift off!

Swans taking off from a lagoon on Chetney Marsh. I think these are the common mute swans but Bewicks have been seen hereabouts. Chetney Marsh is an important habitat for wildlife and flora.

Penny Mayes

Tiny mushrooms

Growing on the sea wall. You may judge their size by comparing with the rabbit droppings.

Penny Mayes

Farm Track on Chetney Marsh

On the skyline is Grain Power Station and Thamesport Container Terminal

Richard Dorrell

Drainage Channel on Chetney Marsh

Grain Power Station and Thamesport Container Terminal are visible on the horizon.

Richard Dorrell

Farm Track on Chetney Marsh

Looking North East towards the Isle of Sheppey. The marsh is a bird reserve. If you visit here, please take care not to disturb the birds, and keep dogs on leads.

Richard Dorrell

Saxon Shore Way, Chetney Marsh

This is the point where the Saxon Shore Way (the green path) crosses a tarmac farm track (which is marked as a Byway on the OS map). The Marsh is a bird reserve. If you visit here, please take care not to disturb the birds and keep dogs on leads at all times.

Richard Dorrell