Top 8 Lakes around Selling

The lakes around Selling offer diverse natural features. You can explore the internationally important wildlife habitat of Oare Marshes Nature Reserve, which features grazing marsh, freshwater dykes, open water scrapes, and saltmarsh. Eastwell Lake is a man-made lake rich in wildlife, including herons, kingfishers, and various wildfowl.

Yes, the area is excellent for birdwatching. Oare Marshes Nature Reserve and Oare Marshes Spring are significant sites attracting thousands of migratory, over-wintering, and breeding wetland birds. You can spot species like pied avocet, common redshank, and bearded reedling. Eastwell Lake is also home to native wildfowl and migrating birds.

Several locations are family-friendly. Both Oare Marshes Nature Reserve and Oare Marshes Spring are great for observing wildlife. Eastwell Lake offers a chance to see various birds and other animals. Additionally, Mount Ephraim Gardens, with its small lake, water garden, and grass maze, provides an engaging experience for families.

Absolutely. The area offers various walking opportunities. You can explore the paths around Oare Marshes Nature Reserve. There's also the Mill Footpath and Wooden Bridge which runs along a lake. For more structured hiking options, you can find easy hikes around Selling, including routes like 'View from The Mount – Perry Wood loop from Selling' or 'Footpath through orchard – View of the Estuary and Harty loop from Selling'. You can find more details on these routes in the Easy hikes around Selling guide.

While the lakes themselves are primarily natural or man-made for wildlife, Eastwell Lake has a notable historical anecdote: Queen Victoria is said to have skated on it when it was frozen. Nearby, Mount Ephraim Gardens offers a glimpse into Edwardian garden design with its terraces, topiary, and Japanese rock garden.

Eastwell Lake is rich in wildlife. You can often observe herons fishing on its shores and kingfishers. It's also home to many native wildfowl and serves as an important site for migrating birds. Keep an eye out for badgers, stoats, and roe deer in the surrounding areas.

Yes, the Mill Footpath and Wooden Bridge is a popular route that cyclists use, running along a lake. While strictly a footpath, it's well-used by cyclists. For more dedicated cycling, you can explore MTB trails around Selling, such as 'Chilham Village – Bluebells in King's Wood loop from Chilham'. More routes can be found in the MTB Trails around Selling guide.

Oare Marshes Nature Reserve is an internationally-important wildlife habitat. It's a Site of Special Scientific Interest, a Grade I National Nature Reserve, and a Ramsar internationally important wetland site. It's crucial for thousands of migratory, over-wintering, and breeding wetland birds, and features diverse habitats like grazing marsh, freshwater dykes, and saltmarsh.

Yes, at Oare Marshes Spring, there is a natural spring providing fresh, cold drinking water, which is a convenient amenity for visitors.

Visitors particularly appreciate the tranquility and the rich wildlife. The Oare Marshes Nature Reserve is highly valued for its birdwatching opportunities and peaceful, desolate beauty. Eastwell Lake is praised for its beautiful views and as a haven for wildlife. The area's natural beauty and opportunities for observing diverse flora and fauna are consistently highlighted.

Yes, there are several running trails in the vicinity. For example, you can find routes like 'Oare and the Swale Estuary loop from Faversham' which offers a moderate running experience. More options are available in the Running Trails around Selling guide.