Wilder Kent Blog

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

Nature Reserves Ragwort with a Thick Knee Beetle sitting on top
David Rayner

August on Hothfield Heathlands: Tree pipits and ragwort

Pigs and tree pipits have returned to the reserve. Hazel and Beech, the pair of Large Black pigs who in the winter made their mark on the small compartment below the concrete causeway, returned to that fenced-in compartment in mid-July continuing, as Area Manager Ian Rickards says, ‘their quest to snuffle across the site, creating bare ground, rooting up bracken and creating lots of opportunities for our wildlife to capitalise on’.

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...