Local Nature Reserve
designation for chalk downland
Saturday 28th June will see the launch of the
Jumping Downs Local Nature Reserve in Barham.
To celebrate the designation of the nature reserve a new
interpretative panel will be unveiled by Lord Mayor Cllr Nick Eden-Green,
to give an explanation to visitors and local people of the wildlife value
of the site. There will be a guided walk around the site and an
opportunity for children to learn about their local wildlife and enjoy
some environmental games.
The site is owned by the Jumping Downs Trust and managed
with the help of the Kentish Stour Countryside Project with money from The
New Opportunities Fund through English Nature's Wildspace! grant.
Canterbury City Council has designated this beautiful chalk downland site
as a Local Nature Reserve, in recognition of its value for wildlife and to
encourage access to the countryside. Mary Lovick of the Kentish Stour
Countryside Project says, "The wild flowers and butterflies this time
of year have to be seen to be believed. It is wonderful that this site can
be enjoyed by everyone".
The Kentish Stour Countryside Project has produced an
education pack for use on the site by local primary schools and other
youth groups. Groups can book a visit to the site through the Kentish
Stour Countryside Project.
Anyone who would like to visit on the day can meet at
Jumping Downs at 11am. Parking is limited at the Local Nature Reserve, but
there is space available at Breach Downs on the Elham Valley Road.
Alternatively there will be transport from Barham Village Hall, leaving at
10.45am returning 12.15pm, or it is a 1¼-mile walk from Barham along
public footpaths.
For further information about this event or the
education pack, please contact Mary Lovick at the Kentish Stour
Countryside Project on (01233) 813307.
