Philip and Corinne Merricks took over the ownership and management of Kingshill Farm, which became Elmley National Nature Reserve (NNR) in the 1970s. They both have a passion for nature conservation and have developed a truly unique farming and conservation system over the years. Elmley was designated a National Nature Reserve in 1972, and a Site of Special Scientific Interest in 1992. As a Natural England ‘Approved Body’, Elmley is the only Natural Nature Reserve owned and managed by family farmers. In May 2013, the Spit End area of Elmley (670 acres), which had been under the management of the RSPB, was returned to the family, who now manage a total of 3000 acres of fresh water grazing marsh. Recently, daughter Georgina and her husband Gareth Fulton returned to live and work at Elmley.