Swale National Nature Reserve has a lot of scarce plants and waterfowl. Marsh harrier, avocet and short-eared owl have been known to breed on the reserve and the area is also a hunting ground for barn owl and Montagu's harrier. Also rare and uncommon migrant butterflies and moths can be found at the reserve. The area is best visited in the spring and early summer, for breeding birds (particularly waders) or the winter, for ducks, geese and waders.