Kemsing Down
O.S Map 188 TQ 550594 : Nr Sevenoaks
Post code: TN15 6TG
About 16 hectares, including ancient woodland, on clay-with-flints on the more level parts, and secondary woodland and scrub with areas of chalk grassland on the south-facing slopes.
Much of the downland has been lost, but there are still four open glades that are managed by winter mowing and by rabbit grazing.
Directions
By Road:
Easiest access is from Pilgrim's Way at the junction with Childsbridge Lane (Map Ref. TQ 547591), where 2-3 cars may be parked. Additional parking is available in Kemsing village behind the Wheatsheaf Pub.
Public Transport:
Bus 425/426 Sevenoaks to Kemsing village (1/3 mile/0.5km).
Download Reserve Map (PDF)
Key site for
- Some chalk grassland flora including species such as: squinancywort, common rock-rose, small scabious, burnet-saxifrage, fairy flax, cowslip and yellow-wort.
- Dropwort on Whiteleaf Down, one of the only colonies of this plant west of the Medway Gap.
- Orchids are also present within the downland, including: man orchid, pyramidal orchid, common spotted-orchid, bee orchid and common twayblade. Adder’s-tongue occurs in several locations on the lower slopes.
- Butterflies including: brown argus, common blue, dingy and grizzled skipper.
