The future at Elmley

Thanks to everyone who came on Saturday, we really enjoyed the morning and glad you enjoyed the cake!

To update those who couldn’t make it, here’s a summary of what we discussed:

• We confirmed our long-term commitment to our conservation work, sustainable farming and public access, not to mention maintaining Elmley’s feeling of ‘wilderness’.
• We ran through the history of our family’s involvement at Elmley, beginning with farming in the 1970’s and onwards to designation of the land as a Site of Special Scientific Interest in 1988 and a National Nature Reserve in 1992. Throughout the time we have developed a farming and conservation system which we can all enjoy today.
• We explained that we do not receive any funding or support for public access or the facilities we provide.
• So, to help pay for the visitor facilities and to be able to continue to offer public access, we are setting up a not-for-profit company, Elmley Nature Reserve Community Interest Company Ltd.  This will look after money generated from a Friend’s of Elmley group for our regular visitors, and a charge for those who come less regularly (to be collected in an honesty box). All the money generated will only be spent on conservation work and maintaining and improving facilities for our visitors. More to follow soon!
• We are also diversifying the farm to make it stronger for the future without changing the feel of the place or wildlife. We will give you the chance to wake up at Elmley by offering overnight accommodation. Our long-term aim is to renovate our wonderful Grade II listed Kingshill Farmhouse. This summer we hope to offer you the chance to stay in our two shepherd’s huts or amazing Dutch Free Floating Eco-Lodge. More to follow on this!
• Kingshill Barn is available for hire, as you have seen on the website. It is a fantastic space, so please spread the word. Local community groups are welcomed so please call to discuss how we can help.
• We are also developing the experience for photographers: many of you capture some great images and have often enquired about dedicated hides and courses to help you get even better shots of our fantastic wildlife. We are currently developing some hides for half-day and day rental, specifically design for photographers by professional photographers – they should be good!
• Finally, we had some great suggestions yesterday including running guided wildlife walks at weekends throughout the year, volunteering opportunities and a suggestions box. Thanks for those, we will definitely be including them all.

Phewwwwwwww…. Well this won’t happen all at once. We will update you all as we introduce these plans. Please rest assured we have the conservation of Elmley’s wonderful wildlife and peaceful landscape at the forefont of our plans. Exciting times!

If you’ve got any questions, comments or want to register your interest for any of the opportunities mentioned, please email us at info@elmleynaturereserve.co.uk