Forestry Friday - Wildlife Hotspots in Kent

On the last Friday of September, people all over the world get to together to celebrate responsible forestry and the vital role that it plays in our lives. Promoted by FSC, an international organisation, the celebration day was introduced in the UK back in 2008, going international in 2009. By 2015 it was celebrated in 31 countries. FSC are passionate about helping ‘take care of forests and the people and wildlife who call them home’.

To celebrate FSC Friday, we have compiled a list of some of the forests and wildlife hotspots you can visit in Kent.

1) Wye National Nature Reserve

Wye, Nr Ashford, Kent

Set in the beautiful landscape of the North Downs, Wye National Nature Reserve is home to an abundance of wildlife. You can enjoy lovely walks around the reserve and look for moths, insects and orchids.

2) Blean Woods National Nature Reserve

New Road, Blean, Kent, CT2 9DB

This 180- year old oakwood is one of the largest areas of woodland in the south-east of England. Famed for its singing nightingales, the forest is filled with butterflies and other insects. Home to three species of woodpecker as well as various other species of bird, you will not be short of nature at the beautiful Blean Woods.

3) Brockhill Country Park

Sandling Road, Hythe, Kent, CT21 4HL

Dating back to Norman times, Brockhill Country Park is a wonderful family-orientated park, with lots for all the family. Packed with wildlife, and a stream running through the valley, you will not be disappointed with the views on offer. The park contains three distinctive areas: The Deer Paddock, The Lake and The Valley. 

4) White Horse Wood

White Horse Wood, Detling Hill, Kent, ME14 3JE

With 20,000 tress planted (including Oak, ash, Silver Birch, Wild Cherry and Crab Apple) and 5,000 hectares, White Horse Wood is Kent’s newest county park. Hosted on the medieval site of Thurnham Castle, you will also find traces of the Iron Age.

5) Elmley National Nature Reserve - Elmley Marshes

Elmley, Isle of Sheppey, ME12 3RW

Did you know Elmley Marshes is the home of twelve rare invertebrates? Its grasslands are also home to the wigeon, as well as the teal, shelduck, shoveler and pintail. Elmley Marshes is nationally important as it supports a large variety of wildlife. It is also one of the best sites in the UK to see wintering raptors.

6) Bedgebury National Pinetum & Forest

Park Lane, Goudhurst, Kent, TN17 2SL

Containing a world-class collection of conifers and 2,000 acres, Begebury Forest is a wonderful place for you and your family to go cycling, mountain biking, riding or for a lovely walk. Also home to Go Ape and an adventure play area.

You can find out more here on the FSC website, as well as some cool resources to help you celebrate FSC Friday in your school or workplace.

If you enjoyed finding out about some of Kent’s lovely forests and wildlife hostposts, why not find out about how you help save the planet in our ’10 Techniques to Reduce your Plastic Usage’ blog.

Credit: www.kentguide.net