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Ranscombe Farm Reserve is situated on the stunning North Downs and is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. It is managed by Plantlife, the UK’s leading wildflower conservation charity.
This 560 acre reserve has 10km of footpaths to explore across ancient farmland, pockets of chalk grassland and coppice woods with stunning views across the Medway Gap and Luddesdown valley. There is a small car park just off Sundridge Hill, adjacent to the North Downs Way that runs through the heart of the reserve.
The site is famous for its extremely unusual collection of rare wild plants, especially arable wildflowers and orchids. Species of note are the tall pink Corncockle, once thought to be extinct, and the internationally rare Broadleaved Cudweed. There are several varieties of wild Poppies that form rich red carpets along the edges of the farm’s wheat fields from late May, and Blue Pimpernel, Wild Pansy, Venus’s Looking Glass and Dense Flowered Fumitory can also be spotted. In spring, the woods are carpeted with Bluebells, Early Purple Orchids and tender herbs.
The woodlands are now being managed for conservation and have good populations of dormice, birds, large mammals, butterflies and insects. There are free guided walks available throughout the year and opportunities to volunteer on the site.
There are 10km of footpaths on the site that link to the neighbouring sites of Cobham Woods and Darnley Mausoleum, Shorne Wood Country Park, Ashenbank Woods and Jeskyns Farm. Numerous free guided tours throughout the summer including guided walks/talks on 3 August (history and local lore of Ranscombe) and 24 August (archaeology and heritage of Ranscombe). Some in partnership with the Valley of Vision project, some are part of Medway Walking Festival. Contact the warden on 01474 824180 for a free newsletter and events diary.
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Opening Times
Open all year at no charge.
Well behaved dogs welcome.
Leaflet and map available from warden.
Location
The reserve is accessible by footpaths and a cycle route from Cobham.
Nearest railway stations are at Cuxton, Strood and Rochester.
Local bus services can be found at www.kentpublictransport.info or call 0870 6082608.
Main car park is at Sundridge Hill, Cuxton just off Junction 2 of M2 or 5.5 miles from Junction 4 of M20.
Grid Ref: TQ571800.
Click here for a location map
Useful Links
www.plantlife.org.uk/uk/plantlife-nature-reserves-ranscombe-farm.htm
for more information please email the warden at helen.morley@plantlife.org.uk or write to Plantlife, c/o Shorne Wood Country Park, Brewers Road, Shorne, Kent DA12 3BS.
Contact Number
01474 824180 or 0798 3578201
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