Really beautiful place that is nice to visit even in the winter. Lots of birds and wildlife to see, and a beautiful lake and trees. They have hides where you can sightsee birds. You can take your own binoculars or rent them from the visitor centre for just £4 + deposit. The visitor centre has toilets, a very basic cafe, and shop. I believe it’s open from 11am. We couldn’t find any paper maps, however there is a map on a board that you can take a picture of at the start.
As novice (and slightly unfit!) walkers, we found just walking half the trail (halfway round the lake and back) was enough for us. It took us just under an hour to do, which included stopping in each of the hides and looking out at the viewpoints. If you’re walking at an average pace and are a beginner walker too, I think it would take about 90 mins to walk the whole lake, so be prepared.
Really decent price at only £2.50 for all day parking and no entrance fee. It is around a pound more for weekend parking. Something to mention though is that the road into the reserve is full of some of the worst potholes I’ve seen, so take care...
Read moreJust an update. If you are using a wheelchair give this place a try. The pathways are passable and some of the hides are accessible for wheelchair users. The Tyler hide and one to left of main centre. A beautiful place to visit, peaceful and quiet, the few other people you meet along the way say a friendly hello as they pass by. Well maintained pathways, informative signage, as well as some hides to visit with lovely views. One in particular got me reminiscing, named the Tyler hide after a warden who worked here in the late 80s. John introduced glow worms to the site and low and behold I got one on the front lawn this year! I don't live a million miles away. Well worth joining the Kent Wildlife Trust and visiting throughout the year to see what wildlife you can spot. Visitor centre, toilets and light refreshments available, but check opening times before you come. Also spread the word about the proposed work by Chevening Estate as this could adversely affect the River Darent, which flows through...
Read moreThis wildlife reserve run by Kent Wildlife Trust is just a short drive from Sevenoaks town centre. It has a large lake with a circular path around it plus some smaller lakes and other paths. There are numerous birds on and around the lake including ducks,geese,Coots and Moorhens. I also saw a Heron in flight and I think an Egret. The reserve has several bird hides in various locations, just bring along your binoculars, your camera with a good zoom lens! There are plenty of wooded areas where you'll hear and if you're lucky,see plenty of birdlife. I saw Robins and blue tits plus crows, pigeons, gulls and a blackbird. I heard Chiff Chaffs and Chaffinches and others I couldn't identify. There are plenty of benches along the paths so you can sit and rest or just take in the views across the lakes and listen to the sounds of nature. There is a car park which costs £2.50 for the whole day ( £3.50 at weekends ) There are spaces...
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