Park Gate Down — Attraction in Folkestone and Hythe District

One of the more remote feeling spots in East Kent we've been to. The nature reserve itself is rather on the small side. It seems to cover a couple of linked fields hugging the hillside. The views are certainly nice, and they make for a decent brief walk. There were no grazers in the fields when we were there, but there will be at other times. Info signs hinted at the importance of the area, as it may never have been ploughed. Thankfully, for those into more than a brief hillside stroll, the fields give access to paths through some mixed woodland beyond. We followed the trail for a while and cut through to a parallel to return. There is no designated parking by the entrance gate, and the road is too narrow to park alongside. You'll have to find open dirt areas adjacent to the road nearby. Other than people tending horses, the place...

Chalk valley and downland near Elham. The area is a mix of grassland and woodland. Several footpaths some of which include steep climbs and can get very muddy through the woods. The gem of the area is the small reserve owned by the Kent Wildlife Trust. This consists of three meadows on the hillside and is one of only 3 places in the country where the rare monkey orchid grows. Wonderful place for wild plants and insects. Access to the reserve is through kissing gates. There is no car park but a small layby opposite the entrance allows parking for about 3 cars. A beautiful area well worth a visit especially in late spring and early summer. The banks are a sea of yellow cowslips and the woodland is carpeted blue and white with bluebells and ramsons in season. Please stay and the paths and keep dogs...

Peaceful area of chalk downland in a secluded valley, surrounded by woodland and pine plantation. The nature reserve doesn't take long to explore, but there are paths leading out into the woods - these were quite overgrown in late summer. During spring and summer, a variety of rare wildflowers can be found on the banks, and butterflies are plentiful. Cows can sometimes be found grazing. There's no official parking, just a small roadside layby unsuitable for larger vehicles, and no facilities, but there are a couple of information boards outlining the species that can be found in the...