Kent Wildlife Trust, Maidstone
From bisons to birds, nature experiences for toddlers and workshops for garden-loving grown-ups. Kent’s leading conservation charity offers to many experiences and makes a great day out for all the family, whatever the weather.
THE LOWDOWN
Love wildlife and the great outdoors? Want to help preserve our precious animals and plants and pass on a this legacy onto the next generation? Then you’re going to want to know about Kent Wildlife Trust – the county’s leading conservation charity. They manage and protect over 9000 acres of land across more than 80 different sites and nature reserves, alongside three Visitor Centres – which are a brilliant way to get your child or your good self involved.
THE LOCATIONS
The Visitor Centres are a great place to get your family out enjoying the Kent countryside. Tyland Barn, just north of Maidstone, is the headquarters of the Kent Wildlife Trust and a base for many of the educational activities on offer. The restored 17th-century barn offers a flexible indoor space and is available for hire.
There’s also the Sevenoaks Jeffery Harrison Visitor Centre on Bradbourne Vale Road and the Romney Marsh Visitor Centre on Dymchurch Road. And there’s always so much going on at the visitor centres. Wander along the buggy accessible paths and see what you can spot.
THINGS TO DO
From Nature Tots on Friday mornings to the ever-popular Guided Walks (with bird spotting and nature talks along the way). There’s Forest School – which is on offer for schools and groups – or for your own private Birthday Party hire.
The events are abundant – there’s seasonal workshops, such as the ‘Family Workshop: Christmas Nature Arts & Crafts’. Or online workshops, such as ‘Building and Maintaining a garden wildlife pond’. You’ll find talks and events on anything you want to know about supporting nature and getting the most from the great outdoors.
KENT SAFARIS
Led by their team of skilled safari guides, Kent Wildlife Trust has unveiled a new range of exciting experiences. Discover the impact of Kent’s regal bison herd at West Blean and Thornden Woods or the industrious endeavors of beavers at Ham Fen.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
As well as the Visitor Centres, there are dozens of Nature Reserves dotted across our Kent countryside. These parks provide an essential wildlife haven and at various times of year become home to everything from bees and tadpoles to breeding kestrels.
As the seasons change, there is always something new to discover in each park, woodland or heathland. Many have accessible paths, family-friendly facilities and a café for refreshments. For a full list of the Nature Reserves, click here. It’s a brilliant way to get your child or your good self involved.
Need to Know
Address:
Chatham Road Sandling, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 3BD
Website:
kentwildlifetrust.org.uk
Telephone:
01622 662012
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