Historic breakthrough as wild-born chough takes to the skies and thrives in Kent for the first time in over 200 years
Conservationists celebrate landmark moment in bid to return red-billed choughs to South East England.
Topics: Chalk Grassland
The sky's the limit for Kent conservationists at nineteen red-billed chough take flight in the South East after a 200-year absence
A total of nineteen red-billed chough have now released into the wild as part of a groundbreaking conservation project to return the at-risk species to Kent.
A guide to chalk downland species: From plants to reptiles
Chalk grassland – also known as chalk downland or lowland calcareous grassland – is an increasingly rare habitat and one of the richest in Western Europe. In England, it’s mostly found on the North Downs but there are also patches scattered along the East Kent coast.
Wouldham Common
The reserve runs along the scarp slope and consists of a mosaic of habitats from chalk grassland through scrub to woodland. Please note this reserve is not open to the public.
Nemo Down
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.
Coombe Down
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.
Burham Down
With sublime views over the Weald of Kent, this reserve consists of an area of chalk grassland and a large area of woodland. Some species of orchid can be seen in the woodland and kestrels breed in the chalk cliffs. Various different insects can be observed here.
Darland Banks
Sweeping panoramic views are not what you expect to find in the heart of the Medway towns but this site has long defied convention. This is our most diverse reserve which is home to the largest population of Man orchids in the country.
Kemsing Down
An ancient woodland with some areas of grassland with interesting associated flora.
Lydden Temple Ewell - The James Teacher Reserve
Sweeping downland slopes packed with wildlife on the outskirts of Dover.