Soaring beech trunks and a feeling of spaciousness mean that these woods have often been likened to cathedrals. Dense shade means that little grows on the thick layer of fallen leaves underfoot, but some of our most treasured and enigmatic orchids are found here while dark, muffled yew woods hold some of our most ancient trees.
Our woodlands are a key tool in the box when addressing climate change for their carbon storage potential, but are less well known for their potential to limit flooding events, with wet woodlands providing a great service in slowing the flow of water downstream after extreme rain events.
Located next to an industrial estate on the outskirts of Dover, it is hard to believe a nature reserve is there when driving through the estate.
One of Kent Wildlife Trust’s newest Dover reserves, Coombe is undergoing management to restore chalk downland to the reserve, with a future goal to re-introduce frog orchids back to the site.
Heather Corrie Vale is located in the Darent Valley, which is an extremely valuable part of the Nature Recovery Network.
As you leave the car park, you are greeted by Queendown Warren stretching from one side of the valley to the other. The reserve is a 76.5ha site containing a mixture of Chalk Grassland, open Pasture, and Woodland.
This Ancient semi-natural woodland is recognised as a site of international importance for wildlife.
An ancient woodland with some areas of grassland with interesting associated flora.
Sweeping downland slopes packed with wildlife on the outskirts of Dover.
The 'Bank' is almost four hectares of chalk grassland on a southeast-facing hillside with commanding views of the Darent Valley.
