Kemsing Down

An ancient woodland with some areas of grassland with interesting associated flora.

Location

Pilgrims Way,
Kemsing
Sevenoaks
TN15 6TB

OS Map Reference

TQ552590

What3Words:
bossy.recall.bigger
A static map of Kemsing Down

Know before you go

Size
16 hectares
z

Entry fee

None
P

Parking information

Very limited on the road parking

Bicycle parking

none

Grazing animals

Sheep

Walking trails

Being situated on a hillside, some of the paths are steep and uneven, and there are steps in places. However, you will be rewarded with excellent views!

Access

There are Kissing gates and steps. The surface is grass/earth and is steep, uneven, narrow, and slippery when wet.

Dogs

On a lead

When to visit

Opening times

Open at all times

Best time to visit

May to August: Wildflowers and butterflies

About the reserve

Well worth a visit for the panoramic views alone - this 16 hectare reserve includes ancient woodland and secondary woodland and scrub with areas of chalk grassland on the south facing slopes. Much of the downland has been lost, but there are still four open glades that are managed by winter mowing and by rabbit grazing.   Orchids are present in areas, including man orchid, pyramidal orchid, and common spotted-orchid. Other grassland flora includes species such as squinancywort, common rock-rose and burnet-saxifrage. Many butterflies can be seen, including brown argus, common blue, dingy and grizzled skipper.

Contact us

Paul Glanfield
Contact number: 01622 662012

Environmental designation

Area of Outstanding Beauty (AONB)
Local Wildlife Site (LWS)