Experience the beauty of North Kent Woods and Downs National Nature Reserve (NNR)
Nestled within the rolling landscapes of the Kent Downs, the North Kent Woods and Downs National Nature Reserve is a place of wonder, rich in wildlife and history. Spanning from Gravesend to Medway, our reserve is home to ancient woodlands, chalk grasslands, and rare species.
We invite you to explore, connect with nature, and be part of our mission to protect and enhance this remarkable landscape.
What is an NNR?
The North Kent Woods and Downs NNR is a network of protected sites, managed for wildlife, conservation, and people. Our mission is to provide accessible green spaces for local communities, groups, and businesses, helping them engage with the natural world.
The NNR is also a hub for scientific research, monitoring, and citizen science projects, offering visitors opportunities to contribute to vital environmental studies.
We operate on a landscape scale, bringing together committed partners to deliver ambitious conservation projects with real impact. By working collaboratively, we can achieve shared goals and ensure the long-term protection of this unique environment.
What makes us unique?
The NKWD NNR is located near large urban populations, with significant development pressures and major transport routes cutting through the landscape. This makes the reserve an essential green space for local communities who might otherwise have limited access to the countryside.
Unlike many past NNRs, North Kent Woods and Downs is not an extension of an existing NE Nature Reserve. It is the first NNR to introduce both Core and Affiliate partners. Core partners are committed to the long-term conservation of the NNR, managing sites to high environmental standards, with many designated as SSSI (Sites of Special Scientific Interest). Affiliate partners support the NNR’s vision, even if their sites are not primarily managed for nature conservation.
The NKWD NNR is also the first to include planted woodlands and vineyards, demonstrating how conservation can work alongside land management and business. This approach is expected to serve as a model for future NNRs, showing how environmental and commercial interests can be balanced.
The reserve is home to many veteran trees, supporting important invertebrate populations, as well as nationally significant arable plants such as broad-leaved cudweed and meadow clary. Surveys conducted as part of the NNR’s designation have revealed a wide range of plant and animal species, highlighting the reserve’s rich biodiversity.
The North Kent Woods and Downs NNR is more than just a protected landscape—it is a thriving natural environment that brings together conservation, community, and sustainable land use. We welcome you to explore and help us safeguard this special place for the future.
