England · five wildlife sites

Nature reserves & wildlife sites in Kent

Explore these places for wildlife in Kent. Seasonal notes suggest when to look; sightings are not guaranteed.

01 / 05

Dungeness

Near Lydd.

Habitat: Open shingle, freshwater gravel pits, reedbeds and wet grassland.
Wildlife to look for: Bittern, lapwing, hobby (late spring and summer), garganey (spring and summer) and brown-banded carder bee (summer).

02 / 05

Near Rough Common, near Canterbury.

Habitat: Ancient woodland with coppice, mature oak trees, sunny glades and patches of heath.
Wildlife to look for: Great spotted woodpecker, lesser spotted woodpecker, hazel dormouse, nightingale (spring and early summer) and heath fritillary butterfly (June and July).

03 / 05

Near Stodmarsh, near Canterbury.

Habitat: Extensive reedbeds, lakes, fen and wet grassland in the Stour valley.
Wildlife to look for: Bittern, marsh harrier, bearded tit, kingfisher and water vole.

04 / 05

Near Oare, near Faversham.

Habitat: Coastal grazing marsh with shallow pools, freshwater ditches, reedbeds and saltmarsh.
Wildlife to look for: Avocet, redshank, bearded tit, black-tailed godwit (especially during migration) and dunlin (winter).

05 / 05

Near Hothfield, near Ashford.

Habitat: Open heathland and valley bogs, with grassland, scrub and surrounding woodland.
Wildlife to look for: Yellowhammer, whitethroat (spring and summer), willow warbler (spring and summer) and green tiger beetle (spring and summer).