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Hothfield Common Local
Nature Reserve
Kent Wildlife Trust, Ashford Borough Council
Bus numbers - 523, 10
P D WT I E
Key
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Valley bog habitat, Hothfield Common
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Parking and main access on
Cade Road, Hothfield. From Ashford, take the A20 towards Maidstone. Turn
left onto Station Road, signposted Hothfield, then turn right into Cade
Road. GR 973458.
Encompassing Kent's last surviving valley bog and one of
its few remaining heathlands, Hothfield Common is a very special nature
reserve. Agricultural modernisation and other factors have led to losses
of these habitats, and left the common as an oasis for rare and
specialised wildlife, such as the sundew. Like the Venus fly-trap, this
tiny plant is carnivorous, enticing insects with sweet dew-like liquid on
its leaves, which then envelop its victim. Other bog dwelling plants
include bog asphodel and the sphagnum mosses which, when they die, form
the layers of peat in the mire. The bog is a sensitive habitat that must
not be walked on - please keep to the boardwalks on site. The reserve is
carefully managed, by grazing and other means, to conserve its plants,
insects (including many dragonflies, which can be seen in
summer) and other wildlife.
For site leaflets, guided walk details, educational
material and other information: Kent Wildlife Trust 01622 662012
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