Appeal to restore ancient heath
The flora and fauna of Kent’s last surviving heath and
valley bog complex is under threat and Kent Wildlife Trust (KWT) has
launched a major appeal to help preserve it. Hothfield Common, near
Ashford, is 57 ha of remarkable habitat - home to some of Kent’s rarest
wildlife. KWT’s ambitious project will cost £250,000 and involves
extending the nature reserve to 70 ha, safeguarding it from neglect and
restoring its precarious wildlife. £200,000 has already been secured from
the Heritage Lottery Fund, Rail Link Countryside Initiative (RLCI) and
Ashford Borough Council but this is dependent on KWT raising a further
£50,000.
John McAllister, the KWT’s Reserves Officer for East
Kent, says: "Hothfield Common is a very special place indeed which
needs protection, notably from the consequences of Ashford’s inexorable
expansion. We hope that with the generous support of Trust members and the
people of Kent we can restore it to its former glory". The ancient
lowland heath and boggy valleys are home to heather, white cotton grass,
the rare bog asphodel, marsh St John’s-wort, insect-eating sundews, and
Kent’s only surviving colony of keeled skimmer dragonfly.
KWT also hopes to re-establish lost species such as the
silver studded blue butterfly (now extinct in Kent), introduce more
grazing and improve public access by creating 5km of new nature trails.
Supporters of the appeal can call the donation hotline on 01622 662012 or
donate on-line at www.kentwildlife.org.uk
An incredible 80 per cent of the UK’s ancient heaths
and lowland valley bogs have been lost over the last 50 years through
drainage, modern farming practices and urbanisation. Over the next 30
years Ashford is likely to double in size with some 31,000 new houses
planned - putting a strain on the surrounding countryside.
