Broadham Down
Location: OS Map 179 TR 085538: Near Chilham
Post code: CT4 7DE
Broadham Down reserve is one mile (1.6 km) southeast of Chilham and consisting of 16 hectares of wildlife-rich chalk grassland, scrub and woodland.
Broadham Down reserve has been heavily scrubbed over and the management is aimed at reclaiming this open habitat. At least three kinds of bat are known to hibernate here. The rare black-veined moth is found in the area and will hopefully begin to return to the reserve with continued conservation management.
Wildlife update
- The re-colonisation of Broadham Down by the black-veined moth continued this spring after the first record of a colony for over forty years in 2006 were made. The recovery of this very rare species and others such as the man orchid and adder, at Broadham are the fruits of a vigorous chalk grassland restoration programme over a fifteen year period. The work was funded by Heritage Lottery Fund, Natural England and Kent Wildlife Trust members.
- Trust livestock, ponies, sheep and goats, continue to graze Broadham Down and the adjacent Down Meadow for the Stour Valley Countryside Project.
