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.
The ramshackle moorings, old boats, jetties and semi-permanent buildings at Broadness Creek, were photographed during a very high tide in February 2014. That year, The Swanscombe Project held a group exhibition and seminar at Goldsmiths College, with further exhibitions in Greenhithe and Gravesend.
In the decade since, the proposed ‘London Resort’ theme park has not been developed and the Marshes have become a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Campaigns, including Save Swanscombe Marshes, have shown that this is an important habitat to an array of unique wildlife including rare insects, birdlife and flowers. In 2024, I visited again, with another approach to photographing the Marshes and which is ongoing.
