Kemsing Down
An ancient woodland with some areas of grassland with interesting associated flora.
Location
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When to visit
Opening times
Open at all timesBest time to visit
May to August: Wildflowers and butterfliesAbout the reserve
Well worth a visit for the panoramic views alone - this 16 hectare reserve includes ancient woodland and secondary woodland and scrub with areas of chalk grassland on the south facing slopes. Much of the downland has been lost, but there are still four open glades that are managed by winter mowing and by rabbit grazing. Orchids are present in areas, including man orchid, pyramidal orchid, and common spotted-orchid. Other grassland flora includes species such as squinancywort, common rock-rose and burnet-saxifrage. Many butterflies can be seen, including brown argus, common blue, dingy and grizzled skipper.