Queendown Warren
O.S Map 188 TQ 827629 : Nr Sittingbourne
Post code: ME9 7XH
The reserve covers almost 80 hectares and comprises several distinct sections.
The original reserve was a rabbit warren in medieval times and forms the reserve’s core. It has probably been open downland since that time and is internationally important.
Recent extensions to the reserve include pasture on the opposite side of the valley facing the Main Bank in 1999. In 2003, 40 hectares of arable land opposite the Main Bank were added, doubling the size of the reserve. Encouraging re-colonisation, seed sowing and grazing are key to restoring this to a wildlife rich habitat.
Directions
By Road:
From the A2 follow the sign to Hartlip along the Lower Hartlip Rd. Turn right into Mount Lane then left at staggered crossroads into Warren Lane. Car park is ½ mile (0.8 km) on left. The reserve can also be reached from the A249 via
Stockbury village.
Download Reserve Map (PDF)
Key site for
- Chalkdown land flora: orchids at Queendown are well represented, particularly the fragrant orchid, with scattered groups of early spider, bee and man orchids. Later in the year autumn lady’s-tresses may be found.
- Insect life: a good variety of chalk grassland butterflies can be seen in summer, including the Adonis blue, re-introduced in 2002.
- Woodland wildlife: native broad leaved trees - oak, ash, beech, birch and wild cherry - and sweet chestnut coppice managed by traditional methods. Wide, sunny rides and glades attract woodland flowers, adders and dragonflies.Good examples of mature beech trees can be seen in this section, important for roosting bats and birds.
Wildlife update
- Habitat creation, enhancement and maintenance of the reserve continues to improve with continual effort from staff led volunteers. In order to maintain sufficient grazing pressure on the reserve we are using 50 Wiltshire Horned Sheep (from the East Kent flock) and a small herd of Sussex Cattle to graze during winter and early spring. This is in addition to our normal local grazier and our own Medway herd of 9 cattle.
- We are in discussions with local horse riders, keen to improve the off road routes in the area, they wish to be given permission to ride along a section of extension II of the reserve. They are also in discussion with other landowners in order to complete their circuit and will come back to us with firm proposals which will need to be approved by Conservation Committee etc.
- On 15th November 2007 we marked the successful completion of the Heritage Lottery Funded (HLF) project for the restoration of wildlife-rich grassland of a 100 acre extension to the Kent Wildlife Trust managed nature reserve.
The reserve is now being grazed by 30 KWT owned cattle and 50 sheep.
