Wilder Kent Experience: Bat and Amphibian Evening at Hothfield Heathlands

Hothfield is one of the last remaining heathlands in Kent. It’s a wide, open landscape of heather, gorse and, during the spring months, a myriad of tiny plants.

This experience will give you the chance to see the reserve in a different light, with the guidance of one of the people who know it best. Area Warden Will is responsible for managing Hothfield’s habitats and has an in-depth knowledge of the species that are found here. So, as the sun sets, join him as heads out to the heathland to try and spot some of the wildlife that becomes its most active after dark.

You’ll be guided through different areas of the reserve, stopping along the way at the spots Will knows are good for sightings of bats, newts and other amphibians.

You’ll have the chance to try using echometers, fixed frequency detectors and torches, and find out why Hothfield makes such a good habitat for these species.

Please note there are no toilet facilities at the reserve, and no refreshments are available to purchase on site. You are welcome to bring your own snacks and drinks with you. A bottle of water is recommended.

Our reserves team are used to working outdoors in all weathers, so we aim to go ahead with these experiences wherever possible. On occasion the warden may decide conditions are extreme enough to cancel the planned date, either because they'll be unable to deliver the event to a high enough quality or because it is unsafe to go ahead. If this is the case you will be offered an alternative date or refund. Unfortunately, we cannot refund tickets if the event takes place but you choose not to attend.

Please give us 30 days notice wherever possible if you are no longer able to attend. The small group sizes on these experiences mean cancellations have a large impact on the viability of the event, and it can be difficult to fill places at short notice or after an event has initially reached capacity. Thank you.

Kent Wildlife Trust members have exclusive early access to tickets for this event, from Wednesday 4 until Tuesday 10 March. Members will receive a code by email to unlock tickets. Tickets will be available for general sale from Wednesday 11 March.