The Islanders.
(work in progress)
Off the northern coast of Kent, the Isle of Sheppey is a marshy stretch of land that feels like a world unto itself. The island is home to about forty thousand residents who spread across the thirty-six square miles of dense, dark London clay that gives rise to windswept grassy swamplands. Its weathered landscape dotted with small working-class towns and an abundance of caravan sites.
Cut off from mainland Britain by the Swale Channel, its muddy waters reinforcing the island's sense of independence from mainland sentiment.
My interest in Sheppey began with weekends at my grandfather's caravan throughout my childhood. Four generations of my extended family descended on the island that became somewhat of a second base. From the familiar Leysdown-on-Sea caravan site, we would take short day trips across the cosy island to visit its towns and attractions.
