Kent Wildlife Trust is today launching an appeal to raise £78,000 to purchase and manage crucial extensions to its National Nature Reserve at Lydden Temple Ewell near Dover.
Lydden Temple Ewell is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) for its ancient chalk grassland and, as such, is a haven to a huge range of rare and endangered species such as the wart-biter cricket and many butterflies, moths and orchids. It is an extremely popular destination for both locals and visitors alike, due to its Downland walks and breath-taking landscape with sweeping views.
The two land purchases are of crucial, strategic importance to the future of the site being the largest area of chalk grassland in the county, and part of the Historic Dover Downlands Living Landscape in the heart of the Dover.
By securing the land, the Trust will greatly improve access to the site as a whole, and habitat recreation will hopefully see the return of the skylark and grey partridge, as well as pyramidal and possibly burnt tip and bee orchids.
During 2017, the Trust will engage with the local community, hosting a local roadshow and inviting people along to guided walks of the site, as it looks to raise the profile of this magnificent site, ensuring it thrives for decades to come.
John McAllister, Head of Reserves (East) at the Trust, said: “Extending the Lydden Temple Ewell Nature Reserve is crucial to securing access for management and to increase the area of chalk grassland habitat, which is one of the most threatened and species-diverse habitats in the UK.
“The new land will make Lydden Temple Ewell the conservation hub for the wider Dover conservation area at a stroke. This is a unique opportunity to restore fragile habitats to the reserve and better manage the rest of this magnificent 220-acre National Nature Reserve.”
Map of Lydden Temple Ewell extension