1. Home
  2. England
  3. Kent
  4. Kent
  5. Canterbury
  6. The Oaze

The Oaze

Coastal Marsh, Saltings in Kent Canterbury

England

The Oaze

The hen harrier's eye A detail of the mural painted on the Shellness blockhouse <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4109177">TR0567 : Hen Harrier: graffiti art at Shellness</a> by artist ATM.
The hen harrier's eye Credit: Stefan Czapski

The Oaze, located in Kent, is a coastal marsh and saltings area that offers a unique and diverse natural environment. Covering an extensive area, The Oaze is known for its stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity.

The marshland stretches along the coast, providing a vital habitat for numerous plant and animal species. The area is characterized by its open grasslands, reed beds, and salt marshes, which create a dynamic ecosystem. Visiting The Oaze offers a chance to observe a variety of bird species, including wading birds, waterfowl, and migratory birds. The marshes also provide an important breeding ground for several rare and endangered species.

The Oaze is renowned for its spectacular views, with the marshland merging into the sea and offering breathtaking panoramic vistas. The ever-changing tides create a dynamic environment, influencing the landscape and the species that inhabit it. Walking along the coastal paths, visitors can enjoy the peacefulness of the area and witness the fascinating interplay between land and water.

In addition to its natural beauty, The Oaze is a site of scientific interest, attracting researchers and nature enthusiasts alike. The area provides a valuable opportunity for studying the effects of climate change, coastal erosion, and the impact of human activities on the environment.

Overall, The Oaze in Kent is a captivating coastal marsh and saltings area, offering a haven for wildlife and a tranquil escape for visitors. Its diverse ecosystem, stunning scenery, and scientific significance make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and researchers alike.

Show me another place!

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

The Oaze Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.357299/0.95676458 or Grid Reference TR0566. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The hen harrier's eye A detail of the mural painted on the Shellness blockhouse <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4109177">TR0567 : Hen Harrier: graffiti art at Shellness</a> by artist ATM.
The hen harrier's eye
A detail of the mural painted on the Shellness blockhouse TR0567 : Hen Harrier: graffiti art at Shellness by artist ATM.
Fishing smacks competing in the Swale Match Photo taken from the east-facing beach at Shellness, on the day of the Kentish Sail Association's 2015 Swale Barge and Smack Match. The nearer of the two vessels is the Colne smack CK21, 'Maria', whose skipper was putting in a spirited and dashing performance. I haven't yet, at the time of writing, heard the race results, but Maria simply flew along - surely the fastest vessel on the Swale. She is said to have been built by Harris's of Rowhedge (just down-river from Colchester) at a date variously reported as 1886 or 1866 <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.smackdock.co.uk/smacklist/smacks.htm" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.smackdock.co.uk/smacklist/smacks.htm">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
Fishing smacks competing in the Swale Match
Photo taken from the east-facing beach at Shellness, on the day of the Kentish Sail Association's 2015 Swale Barge and Smack Match. The nearer of the two vessels is the Colne smack CK21, 'Maria', whose skipper was putting in a spirited and dashing performance. I haven't yet, at the time of writing, heard the race results, but Maria simply flew along - surely the fastest vessel on the Swale. She is said to have been built by Harris's of Rowhedge (just down-river from Colchester) at a date variously reported as 1886 or 1866 LinkExternal link
View from Shellness beach on the day of the 2015 Swale Match View a little to the north of east from a point near the Shellness blockhouse. The white-sailed vessels offshore are Dutch barges, the nearer being 'De Twee Gezusters'. In the far distance on the right can be seen the coast of the Kentish mainland, near Reculver.
View from Shellness beach on the day of the 2015 Swale Match
View a little to the north of east from a point near the Shellness blockhouse. The white-sailed vessels offshore are Dutch barges, the nearer being 'De Twee Gezusters'. In the far distance on the right can be seen the coast of the Kentish mainland, near Reculver.
Shellness blockhouse and spit Looking south-westwards along the landward portion of the spit towards the WW2 blockhouse. Beyond the blockhouse the spit curves out into the Swale. Visible in the far distance is the Kentish mainland near Faversham.
Shellness blockhouse and spit
Looking south-westwards along the landward portion of the spit towards the WW2 blockhouse. Beyond the blockhouse the spit curves out into the Swale. Visible in the far distance is the Kentish mainland near Faversham.
The fishing-smack 'Game Cock' at the mouth of the Swale Game Cock was built by Collar's of Whitstable in 1906 <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.smackdock.co.uk/smacklist/smacks.htm" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.smackdock.co.uk/smacklist/smacks.htm">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> and carries the Faversham registration F76, so this is where she belongs - just as much a part of this coastal landscape as are the oystercatchers on the muddy shore. The picture was taken shortly after the start of the Kentish Sail Association's Swale Match, looking south-east from Shellness in the general direction of Seasalter. <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4615430">TR0164 : A fishing-smack moored in Faversham Creek: 'Game Cock'</a> is a closer view, taken at the end of the day's sailing.
The fishing-smack 'Game Cock' at the mouth of the Swale
Game Cock was built by Collar's of Whitstable in 1906 LinkExternal link and carries the Faversham registration F76, so this is where she belongs - just as much a part of this coastal landscape as are the oystercatchers on the muddy shore. The picture was taken shortly after the start of the Kentish Sail Association's Swale Match, looking south-east from Shellness in the general direction of Seasalter. TR0164 : A fishing-smack moored in Faversham Creek: 'Game Cock' is a closer view, taken at the end of the day's sailing.
Shellness beach on the day of the 2015 Swale Match Looking roughly ENE from a point north of the blockhouse. Photo taken at about 10.10 on the day of the Kentish Sail Association's annual Swale Match.
Shellness beach on the day of the 2015 Swale Match
Looking roughly ENE from a point north of the blockhouse. Photo taken at about 10.10 on the day of the Kentish Sail Association's annual Swale Match.
Shells at Shellness The hamlet of Shellness and the promontory of Shell Ness to the south, as well as the dwellings at Shellbeach to the north are well named as there are millions of shells on the beaches here. This is alongside Shellness and the shells have piled up against the groyne.
Shells at Shellness
The hamlet of Shellness and the promontory of Shell Ness to the south, as well as the dwellings at Shellbeach to the north are well named as there are millions of shells on the beaches here. This is alongside Shellness and the shells have piled up against the groyne.
Looking towards Shellness from Shell Ness The hamlet of Shellness and the promontory of Shell Ness to the south, as well as the dwellings at Shellbeach to the north are well named as there are millions of shells on the beaches here. This is the view of Shellness from near Shell Ness.
Looking towards Shellness from Shell Ness
The hamlet of Shellness and the promontory of Shell Ness to the south, as well as the dwellings at Shellbeach to the north are well named as there are millions of shells on the beaches here. This is the view of Shellness from near Shell Ness.
Shells piled up at Shell Ness The hamlet of Shellness and the promontory of Shell Ness to the south, as well as the dwellings at Shellbeach to the north are well named as there are millions of shells on the beaches here. This is at Shellness and the shells have piled up against the groyne, rather like sand or pebbles would elsewhere. Herne Bay to the left and Whitstable in the centre can be seen across The Swale.
Shells piled up at Shell Ness
The hamlet of Shellness and the promontory of Shell Ness to the south, as well as the dwellings at Shellbeach to the north are well named as there are millions of shells on the beaches here. This is at Shellness and the shells have piled up against the groyne, rather like sand or pebbles would elsewhere. Herne Bay to the left and Whitstable in the centre can be seen across The Swale.
Keep out of Shellness Shellness is a private estate and notices all around tell casual walkers to keep out. However, at the end of the path along the sea wall from Leysdown Country Park, you just walk along the beach below the high tide level and it brings you past the hamlet, still giving good views of the variety of interesting houses. This view is the approach from the southern end towards Shell Ness. For an account of the walk see <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://theknitnursechronicles.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/shellness-isle-of-sheppey.html" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://theknitnursechronicles.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/shellness-isle-of-sheppey.html">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
Keep out of Shellness
Shellness is a private estate and notices all around tell casual walkers to keep out. However, at the end of the path along the sea wall from Leysdown Country Park, you just walk along the beach below the high tide level and it brings you past the hamlet, still giving good views of the variety of interesting houses. This view is the approach from the southern end towards Shell Ness. For an account of the walk see LinkExternal link
The former coastguard cottages at Shellness Shellness is a private estate and notices all around tell casual walkers to keep out. However, at the end of the path along the sea wall from Leysdown Country Park, you just walk along the beach below the high tide level and it brings you past the hamlet, still giving good views of the variety of interesting houses. These are the old coastguard cottages at the southern end. See also <a title="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4426318" href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4426318">Link</a> For an account of the walk see <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://theknitnursechronicles.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/shellness-isle-of-sheppey.html" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://theknitnursechronicles.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/shellness-isle-of-sheppey.html">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
The former coastguard cottages at Shellness
Shellness is a private estate and notices all around tell casual walkers to keep out. However, at the end of the path along the sea wall from Leysdown Country Park, you just walk along the beach below the high tide level and it brings you past the hamlet, still giving good views of the variety of interesting houses. These are the old coastguard cottages at the southern end. See also Link For an account of the walk see LinkExternal link
Faversham Road Just around the corner this becomes Seasalter Road, and so Faversham is ahead while Seasalter is behind. Graveney Marshes are to the left while Cleve Marshes are to the right. Graveney is the next place reached in this direction.
Faversham Road
Just around the corner this becomes Seasalter Road, and so Faversham is ahead while Seasalter is behind. Graveney Marshes are to the left while Cleve Marshes are to the right. Graveney is the next place reached in this direction.
Faversham Road Seasalter is the next place ahead which is reached when the road comes alongside the coastline. Graveney Marshes are to the right here while Cleve Marshes are to the left.
Faversham Road
Seasalter is the next place ahead which is reached when the road comes alongside the coastline. Graveney Marshes are to the right here while Cleve Marshes are to the left.
Faversham Road Just around the corner in the distance this becomes Seasalter Road, and so Faversham is ahead while Seasalter is behind. Graveney Marshes are to the left while Cleve Marshes are to the right. Graveney is the next place reached in this direction.
Faversham Road
Just around the corner in the distance this becomes Seasalter Road, and so Faversham is ahead while Seasalter is behind. Graveney Marshes are to the left while Cleve Marshes are to the right. Graveney is the next place reached in this direction.
Looking across Graveney Marshes Seen from Faversham Road, Whitstable is in the far distance.
Looking across Graveney Marshes
Seen from Faversham Road, Whitstable is in the far distance.
Faversham Road, Seasalter This makes a fairly bleak scene on a grey October afternoon. A chalet park is on the left while to the right of the road is the sea wall.
Faversham Road, Seasalter
This makes a fairly bleak scene on a grey October afternoon. A chalet park is on the left while to the right of the road is the sea wall.
Looking across Faversham Road, Seasalter This makes a fairly bleak scene on a grey October afternoon. This view is from the sea wall looking across a chalet park, with Graveney Marshes beyond.
Looking across Faversham Road, Seasalter
This makes a fairly bleak scene on a grey October afternoon. This view is from the sea wall looking across a chalet park, with Graveney Marshes beyond.
Odd building, Hamlet of Shellness The 'Hamlet' is a private estate of small bungalows and larger blocks. This stands out from the norm, both in style and its location closest to the sea.
Odd building, Hamlet of Shellness
The 'Hamlet' is a private estate of small bungalows and larger blocks. This stands out from the norm, both in style and its location closest to the sea.
Show me another place!

The Oaze is located at Grid Ref: TR0566 (Lat: 51.357299, Lng: 0.95676458)

Administrative County: Kent

District: Canterbury

Police Authority: Kent

What 3 Words

///degrading.shirt.slate. Near Whitstable, Kent

Nearby Locations

The Oaze South Oaze

Related Wikis

Battle of Graveney Marsh
Battle of Graveney Marsh

The Battle of Graveney Marsh, on the night of 27 September 1940 in Kent, England, was the last ground engagement involving a foreign force to take place...

South Swale
South Swale

South Swale is a 410.5-hectare (1,014-acre) Local Nature Reserve (as South Bank of the Swale) north of Faversham in Kent. It is owned by Kent County Council...

Shellness
Shellness

Shellness is a small coastal hamlet on the most easterly point of the Isle of Sheppey in the Borough of Swale in the English county of Kent. The settlement...

Project Fortress
Project Fortress

Project Fortress (formerly Cleve Hill Solar Farm) is a photovoltaic power station under construction on the Graveney marshes between Faversham and Whitstable...

Seasalter
Seasalter

Seasalter is a village (and district council ward) in the Canterbury District of Kent, England. Seasalter is on the north coast of Kent, between the towns...

Seasalter Levels
Seasalter Levels

Seasalter Levels is a 71.4-hectare (176-acre) Local Nature Reserve in Seasalter, on the western outskirts of Whitstable in Kent. It is owned and managed...

Graveney
Graveney

Graveney is a village and former civil parish, now in the parish of Graveney with Goodnestone, in the Swale district, in Kent, England. It is located between...

Church of St Thomas the Apostle, Harty
Church of St Thomas the Apostle, Harty

The Church of St Thomas the Apostle in Harty on the Isle of Sheppey in the county of Kent is a Grade II* listed building. The date of founding cannot...

South Oaze Kent
Graveney Marshes Kent

Have you been to The Oaze?

Leave your review of The Oaze below (or comments, questions and feedback).

© 2024 UK Place Database | Privacy