Wilder Kent Blog

Learn more about the wildlife and wild places in Kent and beyond.

Nature Reserves Bob and the other Longhorns sitting in a field

Bob the Longhorn

Bob is the most striking and charismatic of our longhorns; he is well loved by our staff and volunteers. He is good natured and respects the 10-metre distance that should be kept between people and livestock. Bob can sometimes be quite stubborn; if he is feeling particularly restful he will refuse to move for anything.

Families and Schools family in woodland

Get outside with Kent Wildlife Trust this Bank Holiday Weekend

As the bank holiday weekend approaches (23rd-25th August 2024), there's no better time to connect with nature and explore the great outdoors. Kent Wildlife Trust offers a variety of activities that make it easy to immerse yourself in the county's stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a family looking for a fun day out, or simply seeking a peaceful escape, we have the perfect opportunity for you...

Nature Reserves A group of Ashford Kent Wildlife Trust volunteers standing with their Wilder Kent Award certificates.

August on Hothfield Heathlands: Barn owls & volunteers

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.