Polhill Bank
O.S Map 188 TQ 510605 : Nr Sevenoaks
Post code: TN14 7SP
Almost four hectares of chalk grassland on the south-east facing slopes of the Darenth Valley. Many common chalk grassland flowers can be found on the reserve, and also man, bee and pyramidal orchids on the more open areas, with fly orchid and white helleborine in the shaded woodland edges. One of the more unusual plants here is common dodder which can be found in great abundance in some years, growing as a parasite on rock-rose.
Directions
By Road:
About 2 miles (3.2 km) west of Otford, near Sevenoaks, on the western side of the Darenth valley. From Otford, follow the Pilgrims Way west. Turn right onto Filston Lane. Sepham Farm (signposted) is 300m on the right. Park in farmyard (TQ 510600).A footpath, 100 metres north of Sepham Farm, leads to the reserve. Alternatively, park at the layby on the A224 near the PoIhill Arms at
TQ 504603. From here the reserve can be reached by walking over the footbridge and following the footpath to the right.
Download Reserve Map (PDF)
Key site for:
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The mosaic of grassland and scrub makes the reserve a good place to see a wide variety of insects, including many species of butterfly. Of particular note are the grizzled and dingy skippers, to be seen on the wing in May, and the dark green fritillary which flies in June and July. The rufous grasshopper,with its distinctive clubbed antennae, can also be found here.
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The scrub also provides a valuable habitat for many birds including blackcap, willow warbler and yellowhammer, all of which are a common sight
