シャドックスハーストの天然記念物・トップ4

Rich in flora and fauna, this important reserve contains Kent's last four valley bogs and one of its few remaining fragments of open heath.

Rich in flora and fauna, this important reserve contains Kent's last four valley bogs and one of its few remaining fragments of open heath.

Lovely views over Eastwell Lake from the Eastwell Lake water crossing.

Cycling Route 18 passes through Victoria Park and the Watercress Fields on its way out to rural Kent. A flat and well surfaced path, it is ideal for families or as the start of a longer route from Ashford. There is often a coffee van near the fountain.

Part of Ashford's Green Corridor which stretches along the Great Stour river. Victoria Park and the adjacent Watercress Fields make great running venues close to the town. There are flat grassy areas and woodland paths.

Hothfield Common is one of the last remaining heathlands in Kent. Rich in flora and fauna, the nature reserve is a great place for wildlife enthusiasts. You can observe birds including yellowhammers, whitethroat, willow warblers, snipe and linnet, as well as grass snakes, harvest mouse, green tiger beetle, lizards, butterflies, plus lots more. Yellow gorse bushes and purple heather blossoms also make the reserve a very beautiful place to explore.

Ham Street Woods are part of Orlestone Forest, a now-fragmented ancient woodland that covered the entire Weald after the last Ice Age. The nature reserve is home to protected species like great crested newts and dormice and supports many species of birds, insects and other wildlife. In spring, the woods erupt into colour with white wood anemones and bluebells. In autumn, you can forage many types of fungi among crispy golden leaves.

Eastwell Lake is a man-made lake that is very rich in wildlife. Herons fish on the shores and kingfishers can be observed here. It is home to many native wildfowl and is an important site for migrating birds. Keep a look-out for badgers, stoats, and roe deer, too. Interestingly, Queen Victoria is said to have skated on the lake once whilst it was frozen over.