Hothfield Heathlands in August
Blog
Kent Wildlife Trust Volunteer Margery Thomas explores what's on display at the stunning Hothfield Heathlands Nature Reserve this August.
Featured content from the author
July on Hothfield Heathlands
Blog
Kent Wildlife Trust Volunteer Margery Thomas explains the nature of heathland habitat at our stunning Hothfield Heathlands Nature Reserve and takes a look at the wonderful flowers on display.
June on Hothfield Heathlands
Blog
Kent Wildlife Trust Volunteer Margery Thomas explains the nature of heathland habitat at our stunning Hothfield Heathlands Nature Reserve and how our volunteer teams help us to protect this important and beautiful reserve.
Featured content from the author
August on Hothfield Heathlands: Barn owls & volunteers
Blog
By August, floral glory has passed from the orchids (heath spotted, southern marsh and a few large hybrids) to the heather or ling. As ever, we hope for a protracted display of purple in the heathy areas, which is likely if the cool nights persist. Orchid seed is now ripening. Dust-like, dispersed on the wind, the seed contains no nutrients to support germination so needs a mycorrhizal fungus to supply nutrients from the soil to its roots. From seed to flowering takes three years or more.