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Elmley Nature Reserve

@elmleynature

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Restoring nature to our family estate for 40 years 🌿
Wedding & Event Destination 1 hour from London
Stays in Nature | Wellness | Wildlife Tours

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Introducing The Stables
A new space for coming together.

We’re so excited to finally share The Stables with you.
We wanted to create a space that could bring people together throughout the seasons, whatever the weather, while still feeling immersed in the landscape beyond.

We’ve been dreaming about and planning this building for many years, and (after a very busy year bringing it together) it has been incredibly special to see it filled with people this Summer. We’ve loved watching it come to life, filled with celebrations and gatherings looking over the wilds of Elmley.

This summer we’ve seen couples marry in the Stables with the marsh stretching out behind them, gathered around the tables for long lunches and dinners, rolled out yoga mats and watched the space change character from morning to evening.

And September, we were incredibly proud to welcome the 2026 Wainwright Prize for their winners’ ceremony. It felt especially fitting to host a celebration of nature writing here on the Reserve.

The Stables sits overlooking the Reserve, alongside buildings that have been part of Kingshill Farm for generations, and one of things we are most pleased about is how the new developments have brought this historic part of Elmley together – the beautiful new gravel gardens weave between the Stables, the heritage courtyard and Linhay – creating a real heart to Kingshill Farm, where people can gather, relax and spend time together while always feeling connected to the landscape and wilds of Elmley.

The space needed warm, understated interiors that would feel welcoming throughout the year, while the fully glazed end opens the room to the huge skies and marsh beyond. As with everything at Elmley, it’s really all about that view. The wildlife, huge skies and ever-changing landscape are the stars of the show.

It’s a very special place simply to be; to watch brown hares moving through the grass, marsh harriers quartering the fields, barn owls hunting at dusk and swans drifting across the ponds. As autumn settles in, we’ve loved watching (and hearing) the arrival of increasing numbers of wading birds and wildfowl on the marshes. taken in Elmley National Nature Reserve by @elmleynature

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2 days ago

Autumn brings a whole new cast of characters to Elmley.

As the seasons change, birds arrive from further north, while others pass through on their way south. Waders gather across the marshes, wildfowl numbers build and, if you’re lucky, you might spot a Short-eared Owl hunting low over the grassland or a Marsh Harrier heading back to roost.

There’s so much happening out there, but knowing where to look makes all the difference.

Our guides know the Reserve, its tracks, habitats and wildlife inside out. On a Land Rover tour, they can take you further into the Reserve, pointing out the birds and wildlife you might easily walk straight past on your own and sharing what’s happening across the landscape at this time of year.

Come and see what you can find this autumn.

Credit @ellekayetaxidermy taken in Elmley National Nature Reserve by @elmleynature

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5 days ago

Tablescapes full of colour, texture and little wild 🍑🍐🌸

Venue @elmleynature
Photography @jacksonandco

Wedding Florals | Wedding Florist | Kent Florist | Kent Weddings | Wedding Season | Florist | Natural Florals | Romantic Flowers | Colourful Flowers | Whimsical taken in Elmley National Nature Reserve by @elmleynature

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7 days ago

Are we set to repeat this amazing night that happened at @elmleynature exactly two years ago today?

A CME - Coronal Mass Ejection - is hitting earth’s atmosphere. At the moment, the geomagnetic field isn’t aligned well, so it could inhibit dramatic skies but the data can always change rapidly as nightfall approaches. And it’s a new moon tonight so the skies are dark which helps with picking up the glow on camera and seeing it by eye.

The show of 10-11th Oct was the best aurora I’ve ever witnessed in the UK illuminated in the skies across the UK and I was lucky enough to witness it at @elmleynature - did you see it?

I still can’t believe this happened so far south, with the aurora almost reaching overhead and some folk as far south as The Alps captured it!

This collection is available in my Print Shop - link in bio - with 10% of profits being donated to @elmleynature

So my tip would be to keep a look out if you have clear skies, you can take shots on most phones if you have night mode options - so if you’ve got clear skies, take a shot north and see what you capture.

I follow the stats on Space Weather Live - an app you can download…..showing realtime data. The key thing we need at the moment is the Bz to flip south, showing a negative number which means the geomagnetic field is aligned and if all the other data holds, its show time!

I’m not suggesting folk run for the hills, yet…..but one to watch as nightfall approaches 🤞🤞 taken in Elmley National Nature Reserve by @elmleynature

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8 days ago

Come and see what an autumn stay at Elmley feels like.

Our beautifully made traditional Shepherd’s Huts are warm, cosy and made for settling into after a day out on the reserve.

Head out for a walk, explore the reserve or join one of our Land Rover tours and see what wildlife you can spot along the way.

Then come back to your hut, get cosy and properly switch off. Light the woodburner, pour yourself a glass of wine, and open a book...

Fancy an autumn stay? Take a look at our availability. taken in Elmley National Nature Reserve by @elmleynature

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10 days ago

The warmer days are lingering a little longer at Elmley, so our woodfired pizzas are too.

You can enjoy pizzas until the end of October, giving staying guests a little more time to enjoy one our favourite ways to spend an evening on the Reserve.

Pick up your pizza from the shack and find a spot in the festoon lit courtyard, where the gardens are beautifully in flower and look gorgeous during golden hour, or take it back to your accommodation and settle in as the sun goes down over the marsh.

As the evenings draw in, there's something particularly lovely about making the most of those last pockets of warmth and eating outside beneath the open sky.

We have some limited availability for stays this October half-term, a lovely reason to book a stay in nature.

Come and spend a little longer with us, book your stay today. taken in Elmley National Nature Reserve by @elmleynature

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12 days ago

There’s something special about waking up and realising you’re already exactly where you want to be.

At Elmley, the first experience of the day doesn’t begin when you leave your accommodation. Stay in bed a little longer with breakfast, open the door and step outside, or run a warm outdoor bath and watch the morning unfold across the Reserve.

There’s nowhere you need to rush off to. The beauty of staying here is simply having the time to enjoy where you already are. taken in Elmley National Nature Reserve by @elmleynature

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13 days ago

More signs of autumn are arriving at Elmley, quietly but beautifully.

The air is getting cooler, the light softer and the evenings are beginning to draw in. Across the Reserve, berries are appearing in the hedgerows, leaves are starting to turn and the low autumn sun brings a warmth to the marsh at the end of the day.

Mornings feel a little fresher, the skies somehow bigger (with the most incredible sunrises/sunsets), and there’s something about this time of year that makes you slow down and notice the landscape around you.

Another beautiful season is unfolding at Elmley. Spend a while longer here and experience it for yourself with an autumn stay 🍂 taken in Elmley National Nature Reserve by @elmleynature

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17 days ago

GIVEAWAY!

We’ve teamed up with @elmleynature to give one lucky winner a one-night stay for two in a Shepherd’s Hut or Cabin, including a wildlife tour of the reserve.

And that’s not all. The winner will also receive a bundle of nature books and x2 tickets to next year’s Wainwright Prize ceremony.

TO ENTER:
1️⃣ Follow @wainwrightprize & @elmleynature
2️⃣ Like this post
3️⃣ Tag a friend (each tag = 1 extra entry)

UK only. Giveaway closes 22.10.26. Full T&C’s on our linktree. by @elmleynature

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18 days ago

After a wonderful summer of beautiful weddings and the happiest couples and guests, we wanted to give a high five to the amazing Steph & Emily, and their brilliant wedding team.

Thank you for your care, dedication, energy and passion in making sure our couples have the most special, joy-filled weddings here at Elmley 💚

While everyone’s enjoying the celebrations, there’s a whole team quietly working behind the scenes, finishing touches before guests arrive, looking after suppliers and guests, moving flowers, setting spaces, and keeping everything running smoothly. Stephanie and Emily are always there making it happen, always with a smile.

We’re so lucky to have such a kind, capable team around us. They work hard, care deeply, and somehow make it all look effortless and a lot of fun.

So this one’s a little thank you to them, and to all of our wonderful couples who chose to celebrate here. It’s a privilege to see each of you make Elmley your own for a few days, and to play a small part in something so important.

Here’s to all the beautiful celebrations, happy memories, and very special days we’ve shared at Elmley this summer. taken in Elmley National Nature Reserve by @elmleynature

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19 days ago

Autumn stays 🍂

Cosy evenings in our traditionally made shepherd’s huts, with all the little touches that make a stay feel special. A glass of wine, something delicious to eat, a long soak in the outdoor bath and those beautiful views across the reserve.

Then out exploring during the day, with long walks, incredible sunsets and the most beautiful sunrises.

It’s the perfect time of year to spend a few days here, slow down and enjoy the change of seasons.

@plankbridge
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#ElmleyNatureReserve #AutumnStay #ShepherdsHuts #CosyHuts #KentStaycation taken in Elmley National Nature Reserve by @elmleynature

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20 days ago

Happy 1 year anniversary to Amelia & Chris!!
What a day this was at the incredible @elmleynature!

I loved looking back at their photos this morning - it was such a brilliant wedding!!

@itsameliaburgess
@chris_t_burgess

Hair & MUA: @yourbridalbestiesuk
Dress: @jennyyoonyc
Suits: @dapper_dorking
Florist: @bloom_fabulous_photography

#elmleynaturereservewedding
#elmleynaturereserve #elmley #elmleynature #kentweddingphotographer taken in Elmley National Nature Reserve by @elmleynature

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21 days ago