Downe Bank

Downe Bank is a uniquely special nature reserve, due to fundamental scientific studies carried out here by Charles Darwin.

Opening times: open at all times.
Best time to visit: April to August.

  • Dog walking

  • No facilities

Size: 5 hectares.

Parking information: Park in Downe village then take the public footpath on the right hand side of Cudham Road, just past Christmas Tree Farm, for 1/2 mile. Exit opposite Hang Grove track. Follow it downhill. 

Grazing animals: There are grazing animals at the reserve.

Walking trails: There are steep steps. Paths on the reserve are steep, uneven and slippery when wet. The gate to the northern half is closed during autumn/winter grazing.

Dogs: Please keep dogs under close control

Not wheelchair accessible. No parking. Paths are steep and uneven in places. There are large steps on the public footpath.

About the reserve

Downe Bank is a uniquely special nature reserve, due to fundamental scientific studies carried out here by Charles Darwin. Significantly, in 1962, this was the first nature reserve to be purchased by Kent Wildlife Trust and its importance was further highlighted more recently when along with Down House and surrounding countryside, it was proposed as a World Heritage Site. The reserve lies on the North Downs with chalk grassland at its heart.

David Attenborough also visited Downe Bank to film the opening sequence of Planet Earth III. You can read more about the day at our blog here.

Contact Us

If you need to get in touch regarding Downe bank, for any reason, please contact:

Paul Glanfield
Contact number: 01622 662012
Contact email: [email protected] 

Environmental designation

  • Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)