DAYSOUT
KENT ’ S WONDERFUL Wildlife Walks cont .
Toys Hill // nr Sevenoaks
Founded by Octavia Hill in 1895 , the National Trust now owns and maintains many different buildings around the country , preserving our heritage for many generations to come . However , it ’ s not just buildings that the National Trust looks after , and when Octavia Hill first came up with the idea , it was a beautiful area of woodland that she was most concerned about . That area of woodland was Toys Hill near Sevenoaks , and it became the very first National Trust area to be conserved .
Today , you can stroll through the woodland and find all kinds of wonderful discoveries including the remains of a grand country house . As for wildlife , Toys Hill has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to the abundance of wildlife that can be found there .
www . nationaltrust . org . uk / toys-hill
Elmley National Nature Reserve // Isle of Sheppey
The Isle of Sheppey has a lot more to it than a massive bridge and is a great place to take a staycation in Leysdown . There is a huge amount of history on Sheppey and plenty to do . And then there ’ s the wildlife , and lots of it . Waterbirds are the first thing to notice , and they will be easily spotted wading in the many ponds on the site . But don ’ t forget to check out the birds flying above your head too – you may see some magnificent birds of prey . As well as this there are hares and rabbits , water voles , grass snakes and a wide variety of insects .
www . elmleynaturereserve . co . uk
Clowes Wood // nr Whitstable
Clowes Wood is managed by the Forestry Commission , and , as might be expected , has a lot of information within it for those who choose to explore . There are many little footpaths that crisscross through the wood , but there are also waymarked trails to follow that can be accessed by wheelchairs and pushchairs too meaning that the entire family can enjoy what Clowes Wood has to offer . The Big Blean Walk ( mentioned
on p104 ) passes through Clowes Wood , so you can easily combine the two and enjoy more . Not only that , but the Crab and Winkle Way – the walking and cycle route that runs between Whitstable and Canterbury – passes through here too .
Cowes Wood is packed full of wildlife including squirrels , rabbits , foxes , badgers and around fifty different species of birds too .
www . forestry . gov . uk / forestry / englandkentnoforestcloweswood
Ham Street Woods // nr Ashford
Once upon a time , the Weald was covered in dense woodland , specifically oak trees . Now things are different , but there are patches of woodland and forest where you can still see what it might have been like and Ham Street Woods is exactly that kind of chance to step back in time . This ancient woodland is where you can find protected species including dormice and great crested newts , so it is extremely special and well worth a visit . Being just a 10 minute walk from Ham Street station makes it even more accessible and the three separate nature trails within the woods ( including an easy access track ), as well as being able to download and print out an education pack and spotter guide for free , makes this a wonderful day out in nature .
Tyland Barn // Maidstone
Tyland Barn is actually the headquarters of the Kent Wildlife Trust , so as you might imagine it has loads of wildlife to enjoy , as well as a great walk . Tyland Barn itself is a restored 17th-century building where you can enjoy an exhibition all about conservation and the local wildlife . Depending on what time of year you visit , you can also find bees , nesting birds and even tadpoles in the barn too .
The walk is accessible and enjoyable , and the nature park itself is geared towards ensuring that you understand exactly what kinds of wildlife can be found in Kent . There are woodlands , wildflower meadows and large ponds where pond dipping is encouraged .
www . kentwildlifetrust . org . uk / nature-reserves / tyland-barn
Elmley National Nature Reserve © Stephen Blasdale
Tyland Barn © Kent Wildlife Trust
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