East Blean Wood NNR

This Ancient semi-natural woodland is recognised as a site of international importance for wildlife. This beautiful site could be at risk is government plans to reduce environmental protections go ahead. Please help us to #DefendNature and write to your MP today.

Price: Charged Parking - £2.50 for the day - weekdays and weekends

Opening times: Open at all times. 
Best time to visit: Visit between April to July for woodland flora and heath fritillary butterflies.
RingGo: 325111 | Phone: 02030 460010

  • Dog walking

  • Parking

Size: 122 hectares.

Parking information: Charged Parking – £2.50 for the day, weekdays and weekends.

Bicycle parking: None.

Walking trails: Rough tracks which can be muddy and slippery in wet weather and particularly so during the winter.

Dogs: On a lead.

A network of public footpaths and nature trails. Paths are unsurfaced and may be uneven. Information boards on the reserve.

About the reserve

Lying on a low ridge between Canterbury and the sea, East Blean Wood is one of the richest of all Kent's woodland habitats. A short walk from the car park and you will discover open, sunny glades and wide rides abundant with wildflowers including cow-wheat, the food plant for the rare heath fritillary butterfly.

In spring there are carpets of bluebell under coppice trees of sweet chestnut and wood anemone under a canopy of oaks and hornbeam. It is easy to lose your sense of direction as you follow the trail further along oak trees with nesting holes for greater and lesser spotted woodpeckers. The bushy re-growth of coppice trees provide perfect nesting habitat for many species of bird including the nightingale and blackcap which feed on the rich insect life.

During autumn, the fruits of the trees provide food for the dormouse and look out for fungi growing on the dead and decaying wood of fallen trees.

Contact Us

If you need to get in touch regarding East Blean Wood, for any reason, please contact:

Will Douglas
Contact number: 01622 662012
Contact email: william.douglas@kentwildlife.org.uk 

Environmental designation

  • Ancient Woodland
  • National Nature Reserve (NNR)
  • Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)