Description:

The largest marsh harrier population in the UK now breeds on Sheppey and the RSPB's Capel Fleet viewpoint allows year round views of these birds, and during the winter, an opportunity to scan for hen harrier, merlin, short-eared owl and a range of other raptors.

During November 2006, a rough-legged buzzard was seen and in the summer, the viewpoint is a good location to see hobby.

RSPB Capel Fleet bird of prey viewpoint is the elevated mound two miles down the minor road from the B2231 (east of Eastchurch) towards the Harty Ferry Inn. The car park is open at all times and the mound is wheelchair accessible.

A visit to Capel Fleet can be easily combined with a visit to the RSPB reserve at Elmley Marshes on Sheppey, where there are toilet facilities, long walks and observation hides. The RSPB took over the management of Elmley Marshes in 1974 and is part of the 3,000-acre National Nature Reserve, managed by the Elmley Conservation Trust.  A visit to Elmley involves a safari like car journey across this expansive landscape and during the winter, thousands of ducks, geese and swans can be seen.