Cllr Forrest opening triangle trail at Hothfield Heathlands
Cristina Juan, Area Warden at Kent Wildlife Trust said: “Thank you to Ashford Borough Council for funding this new accessible footpath at Hothfield Heathland. Our thanks also go to the members of the Ashford Access Group for their support and guidance in the creation of the trail. Now this part of the Hothfield reserve can be enjoyed all year round and is accessible to all."
Cllr Matthew Forest, Porfolio Holder for Environment, Property and Recreation at Ashford Borough Council said: “The new path at Hothfield Triangle is a fantastic opportunity to encourage access to an exceptional area of beautiful woodland. The Borough Council and Kent Wildlife Trust have worked together to provide the funding and create this new path, which will be a valuable addition to the growing opportunities for our communities to walk in such wonderful surroundings.”
Michael Claughton, Chair of Ashford Access Group said: “The Ashford Access group was especially glad to be involved with this project. Now, with its completion, we are delighted it lives up to its intention of being a pleasant walk for all the family, for all generations and for all abilities. A real asset to the Borough.”
Bug hunt at the opening of the triangle trail, Hothfield Heathlands
The wood-pasture area of the trail is home to many old oak and sweet chestnut trees, which creates homes for hole-nesting birds such as the great-spotted woodpecker and spotted flycatcher. Visitors may also be lucky enough to spot beautiful butterfly species such as the peacock and tortoiseshell, and maybe even the rare white admiral.
Hothfield Heathlands reserve contains Kent’s last four valley bogs and one of its few remaining fragments of open heath, providing crucial habitat to a wide range of unique flora and fauna. It is hoped that this new accessible trail will allow visitors to get closer to nature year-round and experience the health and wellbeing benefits that being outdoors has to offer.
