Nature reserves

National and Local Nature Reserves

Nature reserves allow us to access and experience features of our wildlife, while at the same time preserving them in their natural environment for future generations to enjoy.

They are divided into National and Local Nature Reserves.

National Nature Reserves are places which have been designated as "nationally important". They are carefully managed to protect the most important areas of wildlife habitat and geological formations in Britain, and are places for scientific research.

This does not mean that people cannot visit them; it means that when we visit, we must be careful not to damage the wildlife of these fragile places.

Local Nature Reserves are places with wildlife or geological features that are of local special interest. They offer people special opportunities to study or learn about nature or simply to enjoy it.

For more information about nature reserves in Kent and visitor centres in your area, please visit the Kent Wildlife Trust website or Natural England's Nature on the Map website, which has interactive maps of where nature reserves can be found.

Roadside Nature Reserves

The Roadside Nature Reserve project was set up in 1994 to encourage nature conservation on our road verges.

In Kent, there are over 55 miles of these nature reserves that due to their long thin shape can provide important wildlife corridors for many of our county's species.

Roadside Nature Reserves are accessible to the public but care must be taken due to their close proximity to the road.

Call the Kent Wildlife Trust on 01622 662012 or visit their website for more information.