The Swanscombe peninsula in Kent, juts into the Thames Estuary just beyond the Dartford Crossing. Much of it is a floodplain liminal landscape, switching between land and water. I first visited in 2013, drawn to its history of industrial use, notably cement works, and structures. I was also one of sixteen from across London Independent Photography all contributing to The Swanscombe Project.
In 2014, the Swanscombe Project held a group exhibition and seminar at Goldsmiths College, and further exhibitions followed in Greenhithe and Gravesend. I included photographs of the ramshackle moorings, old boats, jetties and semi-permanent buildings at Broadness Creek, made during a very high tide in February 2014.
Over the next decade, the proposed theme park, The London Resort, was not developed and notably the Marshes were designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest in 2021. This recognises the national importance its rich and varied habitats for plants, geology, birds and invertebrates and vindicates the work of campaign groups including Save Swanscombe Marshes
In 2024, I returned to Swanscombe to meet with photographer Kelly-Ann McGuinness whose photos evidence, quite beautifully, how the Marshes are home to an array of unique wildlife including rare insects, birdlife and flowers. Our conversation was recorded for the Crossing Lines group meeting in September and is now available at London Independent Photography.
