The Isle of Sheppey is an island off the northern coast of Kent, England, neighbouring the Thames Estuary, centred 42mi from central London. It has an area of 36sqmi. The island forms part of the local government district of Swale. Sheppey is derived from Old English Sceapig, meaning "Sheep Island". Today's island was historically known as the "Isles of Sheppey" which were Sheppey itself, the Isle of Harty to the south east and the Isle of Elmley to the south west. Over time the channels between the islands have silted up to make one continuous island. Sheppey, like much of north Kent, is largely formed from London Clay and is a plentiful source of fossils. The Mount near Minster rises to 250ft above sea level and is the highest point on the island. The rest of Sheppey is low-lying and the southern part of the island is marshy land criss-crossed by inlets and drains, largely used for grazing.
