The North Kent Woods and Downs NNR is bursting with life, home to some of the UK’s most precious and rare wildlife. From the delicate orchids of chalk grasslands to dormice nestled in ancient woodlands and great crested newts thriving in hidden ponds, this is a landscape shaped by nature and rich in biodiversity.
This special place supports the largest known colony of broad-leaved cudweed in the country and what is believed to be the UK’s only native population of corncockle. Ancient trees provide a home for rare beetles and other invertebrates that depend on decaying wood, while the air is alive with the fluttering of colourful butterflies and hundreds of moth species.
Extensive research by species experts has helped identify key wildlife that makes this landscape so important. From this work, we’ve created a priority species list (link to page), highlighting the plants and animals that need the greatest care and protection. Alongside this, a flagship species list showcases the wildlife that best represents the spirit of the NNR—the species visitors are most likely to spot when exploring.
Our journey of discovery doesn’t stop here. We are constantly learning more about the incredible wildlife that calls this place home and will continue to share our findings through our website and events. You can be part of this too—whether by volunteering with our partners, taking part in surveys, or simply keeping your eyes open on a walk. Every sighting helps us to build a bigger picture of the nature thriving in the North Kent Woods and Downs.