Longfield Chalk Bank
O.S Map 177 TQ 598693 : Nr Dartford
Post code: DA3 7QL
A small urban fringe site of two hectares. Parts of the reserve appear to have been much disturbed in the past but have now been colonised with scrub and woodland.
The reserve is managed as part of the Longfield Community Park maintaining the existing areas of chalk grassland and creating small paths and clearings through the scrub. Specific management is occasionally aimed at small-scale disturbance around the grey mouse-ear in order to encourage seed dispersal and germination.
Directions
By Road:
From the B260 through Longfield take the Fawkham Road and turn first right into the Long Valley Hall car park. Access is through kissing gates via the old football pitch
Public Transport:
West of Longfield. Adjacent to the Rochester to Swanley railway line. Longfield railway station (½ mi/0.8 km).
Download Reserve Map (PDF)
Key site for
- Birdlife including: whitethroat and willow warbler
- Amphibians: The slope’s valleys and occasional long-forgotten vehicles provide basking areas for common lizard and slow-worm.
- Rare flora: grey mouse-ear can be found growing in the more open spaces on the reserve.
- Chalk grassland plants and butterflies: pyramidal and common spotted-orchids and common blue and small heath butterfly.
