Over the years, Jumping Downs had become a well known site in Barham, near Canterbury – as a motor cycle scrambling track! In fact it is believed to get its quirky name from this use. However, when the site came up for sale two years ago, members of the local community came together to buy the land in order that it could be managed as traditional pasture and formed the Jumping Downs Trust.

At this stage the Kentish Stour Countryside Project was approached for help with managing this newly acquired pasture. Although the field had been classified as improved pasture ie. fertilised and reseeded, it soon became apparent that Jumping Downs had in fact retained much of its chalk downland flora which thrived on the thin soils and sunshine on the steep south facing slopes. Orchids, such as pyramidal and bee orchid, were found amongst other flowers including horseshoe vetch, cowslips, wild thyme, marjoram and rock-rose. The site was entered into a Countryside Stewardship Scheme Agreement which grant aids appropriate timing and density of grazing without the use of chemical fertilisers and herbicides. The motorbike tracks, which had once scarred the site were re-profiled and have now greened over.

In 2002, Trustees received the great news that Jumping Downs had been declared a Local Nature Reserve by Canterbury City Council. Although a little way from the nearest village of Barham, the site will hopefully become a fantastic resource for the local community to enjoy. Its declaration as a LNR also means that extra funds are available from Wildspace! administered by English Nature to develop community projects, undertake site surveys, organise guided walks and involve local schools. The wonderful tranquil setting of Jumping Downs, in the east of the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is sure to make it a popular destination for walkers in the area.

Jumping Downs is located just east of Covert Woods and is accessible by foot from Barham along the Elham Valley Way. A new site board, highlighting some interesting wildlife features of the site will also display event details and practical task days. The official launch of Jumping Downs Local Nature Reserve is planned for the end of June. Check the Kentish Stour Countryside Project web site on www.kentishstour.org.uk or phone for more details on 01233 813307.