Borstal Marsh

Coastal Marsh, Saltings in Kent

England

Borstal Marsh

The Medway Bridges Three bridges cross the River Medway here. The nearest one carries HS1 and so you will see Javelins and Eurostars on it. The next one carries the westbound carriageway of the M2 while the furthest one carries the coastbound carriageway of the M2 as well as a footpath taking the North Downs Way over the river. This footpath passes underneath heading towards Rochester. — The Medway Bridges Credit: Marathon

Borstal Marsh, located in Kent, England, is a coastal marshland characterized by its unique saltings landscape. Covering an area of approximately 200 acres, it is nestled between the River Medway and the Thames Estuary. The marshland is situated near the town of Rochester and is known for its diverse ecology and stunning natural beauty.

The landscape of Borstal Marsh is predominantly flat, with extensive mudflats and salt marshes that are periodically flooded by the tides. The marshland is covered in lush green vegetation, including tall grasses, reeds, and various types of salt-tolerant plants. These plants play a crucial role in stabilizing the marshland and providing habitat for a wide range of wildlife.

The marshland is home to numerous bird species, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers. Visitors can spot wading birds such as redshanks, avocets, and curlews, as well as various species of ducks and geese. In addition, the marshland provides an important breeding ground for many migratory birds.

Borstal Marsh is also known for its rich biodiversity. The mudflats and salt marshes serve as a habitat for various invertebrates, including crabs, shrimps, and worms. These invertebrates, in turn, attract other species such as fish and seals, creating a thriving ecosystem.

The marshland is accessible to the public through designated footpaths and trails, allowing visitors to explore and appreciate its natural wonders. Borstal Marsh is not only a haven for wildlife but also a place of tranquility and natural beauty, attracting nature enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful escape from the urban bustle.

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Borstal Marsh Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.378343/0.48630433 or Grid Reference TQ7367. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The Medway Bridges

Three bridges cross the River Medway here. The nearest one carries HS1 and so you will see Javelins and Eurostars on it. The next one carries the westbound carriageway of the M2 while the furthest one carries the coastbound carriageway of the M2 as well as a footpath taking the North Downs Way over the river. This footpath passes underneath heading towards Rochester.

Marathon

The Medway Bridges

Three bridges cross the River Medway here. The nearest one carries HS1 and so you will see Javelins and Eurostars on it. The next one carries the westbound carriageway of the M2 while the furthest one carries the coastbound carriageway of the M2 as well as a footpath taking the North Downs Way over the river. This view is from a footpath which passes underneath heading towards Rochester.

Marathon

The Medway Bridges

Three bridges cross the River Medway here. The nearest one carries HS1 and so you will see Javelins and Eurostars on it. The next one carries the westbound carriageway of the M2 while the furthest one carries the coastbound carriageway of the M2 as well as a footpath taking the North Downs Way over the river. This view is from a footpath which passes underneath heading towards Rochester.

Marathon

The Medway Bridges

Three bridges cross the River Medway here. The one on the left carries HS1 and so you will see Javelins and Eurostars on it. The one in the middle carries the westbound carriageway of the M2 while the one on the right carries the coastbound carriageway of the M2 as well as a footpath taking the North Downs Way over the river. This view is from a footpath which passes underneath.

Marathon

Looking towards the Medway Bridges

There are actually three bridges - see Link Cuxton is on the other side of the River Medway. A footpath follows the top of the flood bank here.

Marathon

Looking towards the Medway Bridges

There are actually three bridges across the River Medway - see Link Rochester Castle and Cathedral can just be made out through the central arch. A footpath follows the top of the flood bank here.

Marathon

Looking towards the Medway Bridges

There are actually three bridges across the River Medway - see Link Rochester Castle and Cathedral can just be made out through the central arch. A footpath follows the top of the flood bank here.

Marathon

Rochester Cathedral

Rochester Cathedral viewed from the adjacent castle.

Philip Halling

Rochester Cathedral

Rochester Cathedral framed through one of the arched apertures in the walls of Rochester Castle.

Philip Halling

Rochester Castle and Cathedral

The Keep of Rochester Castle on the right is the tallest surviving keep of its period in England. It is 125ft tall and was built in 1127 by William de Corbiel, Archbishop of Canterbury under King Henry I. Viewed here from the castle's bailey, Rochester Cathedral can be seen in the background. The tower on the right is one of two built in the time of Edward III.

Philip Halling

The spire of Rochester Cathedral

Philip Halling

West front, Rochester Cathedral

The evening sun lighting the architectural detail of the west front of Rochester Cathedral.

Philip Halling

Tympanum and arch, Rochester Cathedral

The tympanum and Norman arch above the west door of Rochester Cathedral.

Philip Halling

Churchfields, Rochester

View over Churchfields in Rochester with the River Medway below.

Philip Halling

St Margaret of Antioch Church

St Margaret of Antioch Church viewed from Churchfields. The Grade is Grade II* listed.

Philip Halling

St Margaret of Antioch Church

St Margaret of Antioch Church viewed from St Margaret's Street. The church is Grade II* listed.

Philip Halling

HS1 and the M2 crossing the Medway

The HS1 railway and the M2 motorway crossing the River Medway.

Philip Halling

The Medway Bridges

There are actually three bridges across the River Medway - see Link Rochester Castle and Cathedral can just be made out through the central arch. A footpath follows the top of the flood bank here.

Marathon

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Borstal Marsh is located at Grid Ref: TQ7367 (Lat: 51.378343, Lng: 0.48630433)

Unitary Authority: Medway

Police Authority: Kent