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Discover the Medway Estuary
Discover the Medway Estuary
Welcome to the
Medway Estuary
People have lived and worked on or around the estuary forthousands of years. As a result it is rich in both archaeological andhistorical remains including:Prehistoric droveways (used tomove cattle); Roman pottery kilnsites; Anglo Saxon fish traps(known as Snowt Weirs);numerous military installations,going as far back as the 11thcentury and two historic dockyards.
Today the estuary is of nationaland international significance,
both economically andenvironmentally. As a majortrading route, it is home toseveral important shippingterminals, handling a wide rangeof products and raw materials.Since 1995 it has also played akey role in the UK’s energysupply network, with powerstations at Kingsnorth and Grain.
Despite this industrial landscapethe estuary continues to support an impressively diverseecosystem, providing the perfect
habitat for thousands ofbreeding and wintering birds.These birds are so importantthat the estuary is protected by both national andinternational designations.
Whether you are looking to relaxin the glow of incredible beauty,or get active on water or land, the estuary has something foreverybody. Simply respect thedelicate balance of nature and thearea will continue to inspire futuregenerations. Happy exploring!
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Welcome to this new guide to the Medway Estuary, an invaluable aid for those lookingto explore and make the most of this stunning area.
Getting out on the water is aunique way to experience whatmakes the estuary so vital. Join an organised bird cruise andget closer to the internationally-important populations ofwading and waterfowl birds. Or if you prefer history, there are numerous fortifications todiscover along the water’s edge.Of course, if you just want to getaway from it all, the estuary is atranquil haven amidst the hustleand bustle of the south-east.
BoatingThe estuary is home to a fantasticarray of yacht clubs and marinas,offering a wide range of recreationaland competitive sailing activities.Most clubs have visitor moorings,which are available upon request.For those who don’t own a boatthere are still great ways to explorethe estuary. Join a bird watching tripat Gillingham Pier or on theKingswear Castle Paddle Steamer,which leaves from Rochester andChatham. In addition the Arethusa
Venture Centre in Upnor providestraining in a number of watersports,including sailing and canoeing.
FishingFishing is still very much a part ofestuary life, both commercially andas a recreational past time. To findout more about recreational fishingin the area, simply visit your localtackle and bait shop. If you intend todig for your own bait in the estuary,please follow Natural England’s Bait Digging Code which can bedownloaded at www.msep.org.uk
Personal water craftOpportunities for riding personalwater crafts in the estuary areextremely limited. If you are in anydoubt as to where you can legallyride, please contact Peel PortsMedway, see further information.Please also refer to the PWC Codeof Conduct which can bedownloaded at www.msep.org.uk
What’s in a name? Medway – Sweet water
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On the water
What to look out for
Little egretCurlew TurnstoneOyster catcher Common seal AvocetBrent geese
What’s in a name? Halstow (Higher and Lower) – Holy Place
The importance of the estuary'secosystem has been recognisedby the following designations:
• Special Protection Areas (SPA),classified under the EC Directiveon the Conservation of WildBirds (www.jncc.defra.gov.uk).
• Wetland of InternationalImportance, under the RamsarConvention (www.ramsar.org).
• Site of Special Scientific Interest(SSSIs), designation under theWildlife and Countryside Act 1981,
amended by the Crow Act 2000(www.sssi.naturalengland.org.uk).
Please help protect its naturalenvironment by:
• Not alighting on the manyprivately owned islands, whichoften act as high tide roosts forbirds. This will reduce thechances of them abandoningtheir nests. The islands alsosupport a number of rare andimportant plant species.
• Not getting too close, as this willhelp minimise the disturbance tofeeding and roosting birds,saving them valuable energy.
• Where possible,using only official moorings.
• Observing speed limits, navigationrules and byelaws.
• Observing Natural England's baitdigging regulations (available atwww.msep.org.uk)
Wildlife
History
Upnor Castle Rochester Castle Cockham Wood Fort Darnet Fort
Enjoying the water
Water sports
Arethusa Watersports Centrewww.arethusa.org.uk01634 719933
Medway Watersports Centrewww.medwaywatersportscentre.org01634 338754
Clubs, marinas and moorings
Beacon Boatyardwww.beaconboatyard.co.uk01634 841320
Chatham Maritime Marinawww.mdlmarinas.co.uk01634 899200
Gillingham Marinawww.gillingham-marina.co.uk01634 280022
Hollowshore Cruising Clubwww.hollowshorecc.co.uk
Hoo Marinawww.hoomarina.com01634 250311
Hoo Ness Yacht Clubwww.hooness.org.uk01634 250052
Hundred of Hoo Sailing Clubwww.hundredofhoosc.org.uk01634 250102
Lower Halstow Yacht Clubwww.lhyc.org.uk
Mariners Farm Boatyardwww.marinersboatyard.co.uk01634 233179
Medway Bridge Marinawww.medwaybridgemarina.co.uk01634 843576
Medway Cruising Clubwww.medwaycruisingclub.org.uk01634 856489
Medway Sailability07778 300824
Medway Towns Rowing Clubwww.medwaytownsrowingclub.co.uk07972 406518
Medway Yacht Clubwww.medwayyachtclub.com01634 718399
PWC Allhallows Yacht ClubPersonal watercraft.07919 021210
Rochester Cruising Clubwww.rochestercc.co.uk01634 841350
Royal Naval Sailing Association(Medway branch)01634 200970
Segas Sailing Clubwww.segassailingclub.co.uk01634 855365
Strood Yacht Clubwww.stroodyachtclub.co.uk01634 718261
Upnor Sailing Clubwww.upnorsailing.co.uk07092 197923
Victory Moorings07785 971797
Whitton Marinewww.whittonmarine.com01634 250593
Wilsonian Sailing Clubwww.wilsoniansc.org.uk01634 250318
Fishing clubs
Kentmed Boat Fishing Clubwww.aacnet.org.uk/kentmed01622 808449
Medway Rollerswww.medwayrollerssac.co.uk
Charters
Edith May Trading Companywww.edithmaybargecharter.co.uk 01634 365343
Julie Sue – Bird Watching & Fishing 01634 233957 or 07803 238821
Kingswear Castle Paddlesteamerwww.kingswearcastle.co.uk01634 827648
2322 20
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2524
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3130A
3029
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Bn
Bn
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RW
Saxon Shore Wa
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Gillingham
St Mary’s Island
Rochester Bridge
Medway Tunnel
Medway Bridge
Hoo Island
Nor Marsh
Kingsnorth Power Station
Chimney
RainhamO Chatham
Hoo
Upnor
Rochester
Strood
Medway Estuary Visitor chart
This chart should not to be used for navigation
Metres
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23
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5 6
79
108
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1314
Folly Point
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Notes on navigationThe main navigable channels, coloureddark blue, are clearly marked bybuoys, and are easy to follow. Themiddle reaches of the River Medwayand Swale are bounded by extensivemudflats and saltings, coloured lightblue, which are covered at high waterand provide many secondary channels.These channels should only beattempted with local knowledge. The inexperienced should be aware ofstraying too far from the mainnavigable channel, coloured dark blue,to prevent grounding on a falling tide.
BridgesThe River Medway above RochesterBridge shoals appreciably and at lowtide only provides an average of 0.9 -1.2m of water in its upper reaches.Rochester Bridge air draft 5.9m (19'6")MHWS.
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W Bulwark
E Bulwark
Victoria
W Cant
N Kent
Grain Hard
Grain Edge9
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S1
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S5
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S9S8
S10
S11
N Ferry
Elmley
Stoke
Blackstakes
GarrisonPoint
S Kent
Lillies
Queenborough Spit
Stangate Spit
RW
BRB
Saxon Shore Way
Burntwick Island
Stoke Saltings
Half Acre Creek
Stangate Creek
Thamesport Container Terminal
Grain Power Station
Lower Halstow
Otterham Quay
Iwade
Grain
Chimney
Visitor attractionsUpnor CastleRochester CastleRochester CathedralGuildhall MuseumRestoration HouseFort AmherstSt Mary Magdalene, GillinghamDickens WorldRoyal Engineers MuseumThe Historic Dockyard ChathamBerengrave Nature ReserveRiverside Country ParkTemple ManorSix Poor Travellers HouseNorthward HillRanscombe Farm Nature Reserve
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Beach
Communication channelsVHF radio 37 and 80 for Marinas (M1) • VHF radio 16 for emergencies (Thames Coastguard)
• VHF radio 74 Medway VTS • Peel Ports Medway requires you tocontinually monitor channels 16and 74
Speed limitsA 6 knot speed limit operates westof Folly Point. An 8 knot speed limitoperates in the adjacent Swale.
Key to buoysGreen standard - keep right up the river
Red port - keep right down the river
Yellow - danger
Black - commercial mooring
On the land - what to see and where to go
The Countryside CodeRespect – Protect – Enjoy
• Be safe, plan ahead and followany signs.
• Leave gates and property asyou find them.
• Protect plants and animals andtake your litter home.
• Keep dogs under close control.
For further information, pleasephone 08451 003298 or visitwww.countrysideaccess.gov.uk
What’s in a name? Chatham – Forest Village
CyclingTo explore the area by bike, takeadvantage of the Heron Trail on the Hoo Peninsula, as well asSustrans National Cycle Route No 1, which is closely aligned tothe Saxon Shore Way. Visit www.medway.gov.ukwww.kent.gov.uk/explorekentor www.sustrans.org.uk forfurther information.
WalkingThe area’s network of publicfootpaths are a great way to explorethe estuary’s stunning coastline andnearby historic villages and towns.One of the most popular routes isthe Saxon Shore Way, which allowswalkers to roughly follow the Kentand Sussex coastline as it wasaround 1,600 years ago.
There are a number of publicationsdetailing the area’s walking routes;available from local touristinformation centres (see furtherinformation) and selected libraries.Many are also available as PDFsfrom the following websites:www.msep.org.ukwww.medway.gov.uk (see PublicRights of Way) andwww.kent.gov.uk/explorekent
1 Upnor CastleBuilt in the 16th centuryand designed to defendChatham Dockyard fromattack.
2 Upnor High StreetA charming cobbled street lined with terracedweather-boarded houses,leading down towards the river.
3 St Mary’s IslandThroughout much of the19th century, huge prisonhulks were moored alongthe river, including justoff the St Mary’s Island.
4 The London StonesThese two obelisks markthe southern extent ofthe City of London’sfisherman’s rights to fish
on the northern side ofthe river. The smallerstone is thought to haveoriginally come fromYantlet creek.
5 Cockham Wood FortBuilt in the late 16thcentury as a direct resultof the Dutch raid in1667, the fort originallyheld 48 guns.
6 Hoo FortHoo Fort and its nearneighbour Darnet werebuilt in the 1870s as partof the defences against anexpected French invasion.
7 St Werburgh ChurchThe church dates mainlyfrom the 14th century,but stands on the site of amuch older Saxon building.
Distance: 4 miles (6.4km)Time: Allow 2 hoursTerrain: Some surfaced paths and roads. A long
stretch of beach. One fairly steep path.
Upnor to Hoo St Werburgh- a circular walk
Public house Car parking Refreshments Toilet Caution
What’s in a name? Upnor – Upon the bank
Berengrave Local Nature ReserveFrom 1901 until 1931 the reserve wasused as a chalk quarry, before beingleft derelict up until the early 1970s.Today it is home to at least 89 differentspecies of bird and over 426 species offlora, including 83 types of fungi. 01634 337432www.friendsofberengrave.btik.com∫ Ω ∏
Broomhill ParkThis hidden gem stands upon Strood’shighest hill, offering stunning viewsacross Medway.01634 333333www.medway.gov.uk
∏ Ω ~ È
Grain Country ParkLocated on the eastern tip of the HooPeninsula, this 18-hectare site providesexcellent opportunities for walking,bird watching or simply enjoying thestunning views across the Thames andMedway estuaries. Access is by car orlimited bus service.∫ ∏ Ω ~ È
Northward HillStanding on a ridge high above thenorth Kent marshes, it offers excellentviews across the adjoining ThamesEstuary. The reserve is the RSPB’soldest, established in 1955.01634 222480www.rspb.org.uk/reserves∏ Ω ~
Out and aboutThere are a number of locations within Medway, where you can get closer to the estuary,its wildlife and enjoy stunning views.
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Great Lines Heritage ParkThe steep, south-facing slope of the Great Lines dominates the Chatham skylineand offers fantastic views towards Rochester and beyond. The site is crowned bythe spectacular Royal Naval Memorial, which commemorates more than 8,500sailors lost in the First World War. The wide expanse of grassland supportsnumerous species of important flora and fauna.01634 331176 www.chathamworldheritage.org.uk∏ Ω ~
What’s in a name? Grain (Isle of) – Sandy or gravelly shore
Ranscombe Farm Nature ReserveRanscombe Farm Nature Reserve, inCuxton, is set on the North Downs ofKent with spectacular views along theMedway Valley. The reserve has morethan 6 miles of footpaths, a greatopportunity to explore and enjoy over600 acres of woodlands, arable fieldsand meadows.01722 342730www.plantlife.org.uk∏ Ω ~
The StrandSituated by the Medway atGillingham, The Strand is a popularlocation for families. Attractionsinclude crazy golf, children’s paddlingpool and miniature railway.01634 333333www.visitmedway.org
∫ Z Ω ~ È
UpnorThe original high street is a charmingcobbled street lined with terraced,weather-boarded houses leadingdown to Upnor Castle and the river.www.visitmedway.org∫ Z Ω ~
Key
∫ Waterside∏ WildlifeZ Refreshments availableΩ On-site parkingΩ Parking nearby~ Great viewsÈ Wheelchair accessible
Riverside Country ParkWith stunning estuary views and attractive walks, the park is perfect for familiesto become acquainted with the North Kent Marshes. 01634 337432www.visitmedway.org
∫ ∏ Z Ω ~ È
Visitor attractions
Attractions
Dickens WorldMonday – Friday: 10am - 4.30pm(Last admission 3pm) Closed Mondaysfrom September 2012 - Easter 2013Weekends:10am - 5.30pm (Last admission 4pm)01634 890421www.dickensworld.co.uk
Guildhall Museum (Rochester)Tuesday – Sunday, 10am – 4.30pm 01634 848717www.visitmedway.org
Royal Engineers MuseumTuesday – SundayPhone for opening times01634 822839www.re-museum.org.uk
The Historic Dockyard ChathamMonday – Sunday, 10am – 6pm (4pm from 31 October onwards) 01634 823800www.thedockyard.co.uk
Historical Buildings
Fort AmherstParklands: Dawn until duskBuildings: Phone for times 01634 847747www.fortamherst.com
Restoration HouseThursday and Friday, 10am – 5pm(June – September), phone or visit the website for additional dates01634 848520www.restorationhouse.co.uk
Rochester CastleMonday – Sunday, 10am – 6pm (April – September) and 10am – 4pm(October – March)01634 335882www.visitmedway.org
St Mary Magdalene (Gillingham)Phone for opening hours 01634 850529
Rochester CathedralMonday – Sunday, 7.30am – 6pm(Saturday, 5pm)01634 843366www.rochestercathedral.org
Six Poor Travellers House(Rochester)Monday – Sunday, 10.30am – 4.30pm(March – October)01634 845609www.visitmedway.org
Temple Manor (Strood)Saturday and Sunday, 11am – 3pm(April – October)01634 333333www.visitmedway.org
Upnor CastleMonday – Sunday, 10am – 6pm (April – September) and 10am – 4pm(October)01634 718742www.visitmedway.org
What’s in a name? Rainham – Settlement of the ruling or powerful men
The area is home to a number of superb museums and historical buildings, many ofwhich reflect the estuary’s extensive maritime and military heritage.
Festivals and events in Medway
January
Chinese New YearOne of Britain’s largest ChineseNew Year celebrations.Chatham
March
Medway Festival ofSteam and TransportSpecialist vehicles andentertainment for all. Historic Dockyard Chatham
April
The English FestivalFree family fun daycelebrating English culture.Riverside Country Park
May
Sweeps FestivalMay Day celebrationsincluding Morris dancers,music and childrens activities.Rochester
Medway Barge MatchAnnual barge race.www.medwaybargematch.co.ukStarting at Gillingham Pier
June
Medway River FestivalBoat races, ships and on-shore activities.Chatham Waterfront
Rochester Dickens FestivalStreet parades, entertainment,and costumed characters. Rochester
FUSE Medway FestivalA free celebration of artsand creativity, from livestreet theatre to site-specificperformances.Various locations
The Dutch are ComingRe-enactment and stories ofthe Dutch Raid of 1667.Upnor Castle
July
Castle ConcertsFour nights of great music.Rochester Castle Gardens
September
Medieval MerrimentMedieval re-enactment Rochester Castle
Heritage Open DaysHeritage sites are open tothe public for free.Various locations
Salute to the 40s Wartime entertainment,fashion, vehicles and a hostof re-enactors.Historic Dockyard Chatham
Will Adams FestivalCelebrate the life and worksof Gillingham-born Will Adams- England’s first Samurai. Gillingham Park
The Capstone FestivalFree kites ‘n’ bikes event withstunt displays and workshops.Capstone Farm Country Park
October
Black History monthCelebrating diverse culturesand traditions.Various locations
Kent’s Coastal Weekwww.kent.gov.uk/coastalweekVarious locations across Kent
November
Bonfire and FireworksGreat Lines Heritage Park
December
Dickensian ChristmasParades, stalls, carols,guaranteed snow andcostumed characters. Rochester
For more information on events in Medway visitwww.whatsonmedway.co.uk or phone 01634 338141.For general information on Medway visit www.visitmedway.org
Medway accommodation
Hotels
Bridgewood Manor HotelHHHH
Bridgewood Roundabout,Walderslade Woods, Chatham ME5 9AX 01634 201333 [email protected]
Holiday Inn Rochester -Chatham HHHH
Maidstone Road, Chatham ME5 9SF 0871 942 [email protected] www.holiday-inn.co.uk
Ramada Encore Hotel HHH
Western Avenue, Historic Dockyard,Chatham ME4 4NT01634 891677 [email protected]
King Charles Hotel HHH
Brompton Road, Gillingham ME7 5QT01634 [email protected] www.kingcharleshotel.co.uk
Gordon House Hotel HH
91 High St, Rochester ME1 1LX 01634 831000 [email protected] www.gordonhousehotel.net
St George Hotel HH
7/8 New Road Avenue, ChathamME4 6BB01634 841012 [email protected] www.george-hotel.co.uk
Bed and breakfast
Officers Hill B&B HHHHH Gold award7 College Road, Historic Dockyard,Chatham ME4 4QX01634 828436 [email protected]
Orchard B&B HHHH Silver award11 View Road, Cliffe Woods, nr Rochester ME3 8JQ 01634 222780enquiries@orchardcottagekent.co.ukwww.orchardcottagekent.co.uk
Salisbury House B&BHHHH Silver award29 Watts Avenue, Rochester ME1 1RX 01634 400182
Cedar House HHHH
66 Priestfields, Rochester, ME1 3AB01634 [email protected] www.cedarhouserochester.co.uk
Greystones B&B HHHH
25 Watts Avenue, Rochester ME1 1RX 01634 [email protected] www.greystonesbandb.org.uk
Normandy House B&B HHHH
143 Maidstone Road, ChathamME4 6JE 01634 843047 [email protected]
Abigails B&B HHH
17 The Maltings, Rainham ME8 8JL 01634 [email protected]
Churchfields HH Silver award6 Churchfields Terrace, St Margaret’sStreet, Rochester ME1 1TQ 01634 [email protected] www.churchfieldsbandb.co.uk
The Sundial HH
18 Ranscombe Close, Strood,Rochester ME2 2PB 01634 [email protected]
Riverview Lodge HH
88 Borstal Road, Rochester ME1 3BD 01634 842241riverviewlodgerochester@gmail.comwww.riverviewlodge-rochester.co.uk
The Cottage (Awaiting grading)66 Borstal Road, Rochester ME1 3BD 01634 [email protected]
Inns
The Horseshoe & CastleHHHH
Main Road, Cooling, Rochester ME3 8DJ 01634 [email protected] www.horseshoeandcastle.co.uk
Self catering
Stable Cottages HHHH
Fenn Croft, Newlands Farm Road, St Mary Hoo, Rochester ME3 8RE01634 272439 [email protected] www.stable-cottages.com
The Chimes HHH
6 Hawkwood Close, Rochester, ME1 1HW01634 [email protected]
Decoy Farm Cottages(Awaiting grading)Decoy Hill Road, High Halstow, Nr Rochester ME3 8SR 01634 [email protected]
Caravan holiday park
Allhallows Leisure ParkAvery Way, Allhallows, Nr RochesterME3 9QD 01634 [email protected]/allhallows
What’s in a name? Hoo – Spur of land
Further information
Suggested further reading
Walking the Saxon Shore Way through Medway (PDF available from www.msep.org.uk) –Medway Council/MSEPThe Saxon Shore Way – Alan Sillitoe and Fay Godwin – ISBN 0091514606, Hutchinson (out of print)The Medway Prison Hulks by Keith Gulvin – ISBN 1908067004, Estuary Books No1 (published by www.l-13.org priced £9.99)Waterlog by Roger Deakin – ISBN 0099282550, Vintage River Medway & Swale by Robert Simper – ISBN 0951992775, Creekside PublishingSalt Marsh & Mud by Nick Ardley – ISBN 9781848684911, Amberley PublishingTypical Birds of the Medway & Swale (available free from www.msep.org.uk)
Local authority
Medway Councilwww.medway.gov.uk01634 333333
Visitor information
www.visitmedway.orgwww.whatsonmedway.co.ukvisitor.centre@medway.gov.uk01634 338141
Ports and marine safety
Maritime andCoastguard Agencywww.mcga.gov.uk0870 6006505
Peel Ports Medway (Navigation Service)01795 [email protected]
RNLIwww.rnli.org.uk/seasafety0800 3280600
Kent Police Marine Unit07772 226213 (Medway)
Project Kraken (counter terrorism hotline)www.kent.police.uk0800 789321
The National WaterSafety Forum www.nationalwatersafety.org.uk0870 7772171
Wildlife advice
Natural Englandwww.naturalengland.org.uk0845 6003078
Environment Agencywww.environment-agency.gov.uk08708 506506
Kent Wildlife Trust www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk01622 662012
Kent Police Rural andEnvironmental Crime01622 654007
RSPB www.rspb.org.uk01795 665969
Wildfowling
Kent Wildfowling andConservation Associationwww.kentwildfowlers.co.uk07836 771715
Boating
Medway YachtingAssociationwww.medwayya.co.uk
Royal YachtingAssociationwww.rya.org.uk
Fishing
Angling Trustwww.anglingtrust.net0844 7700616
Kent and Essex IFCAwww.kentandessex-ifca.gov.uk01843 585310
Tidal information
A copy of the official tide tablecan be bought for £2, from PeelPorts – 01795 596596 http://easytide.ukho.gov.ukwww.bbc.co.uk/weather/coast/tides
The Medway Swale Estuary Partnership
The partnership’s work is centred on raising awareness of the estuary’s environmental, economic and socialimportance, managing competing demands andincreasing knowledge of the estuary through research,publications and educational activities. If you would liketo find out more about the partnership, then visitwww.msep.org.uk or email [email protected]
Published by: Medway Council 2012Text: MSEPPhotography: MSEP, Robert Canis (www.robertcanis.com), RSPB Map courtesy of Medway Yachting AssociationWhile every care is taken in compiling this publication, neitherMedway Council nor its servants or agents can accept any liabilitywhatsoever for any incorrect statement contained herein, nor any omission.
G7126 Designed by Medway Council’s Communications Teamwww.medway.gov.uk/communications
