Broadham Down, Chartham, Canterbury, Kent CT4 7DD
Broadham Down
Mixed-habitat reserve
Place photograph
7.4
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
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Cost
Wild
Feel
Why it's Wildland
7.4Once a downland farm, Broadham Down has a surviving old well, chalk grassland restored from scrub, and dene holes above an old mine that shelter bats.
Broadham Down combines restored chalk grassland and wildflowers with traces of a vanished farm and underground mining. The rugged approach and steep, unsurfaced terrain make it a more rewarding prospect for walkers comfortable with rough ground than for a casual, facilities-led visit.
Wild · Peaceful · Ancient-feeling
Find your way
Open mapBroadham Down, Chartham, Canterbury, Kent CT4 7DD
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The experience
Allow time for the 1 km approach from the lay-by as well as the rugged reserve itself. Explore the chalk grassland carefully, look for the old farm well, and keep to the paths around the steep terrain and dene holes.
Things to do
Walk the approach from Mystole Lane
Follow the Pilgrims Cycle Trail for 1 km from the lay-by to reach the reserve. Kent Wildlife Trust describes the route onward as rugged, with rough and unsurfaced ground.
1 km to the reserve; return distance not specified in the source.
Explore the restored chalk grassland
The reserve’s grassland was restored after scrub and woodland were removed, and Kent Wildlife Trust reports thriving wildflowers and orchids.
Find the old farm well
Look for the well that was the abandoned downland farm’s only source of water. Its precise position is not given, so do not leave paths or cross unsafe ground to search.
Notice the dene holes
Kent Wildlife Trust identifies dene holes in the southern part of the reserve, associated with an old mine. They shelter a small number of bats; observe from a safe distance and do not enter.
Watch the grassland for wildlife
Adders and grass snakes may be found basking in the sun, according to Kent Wildlife Trust. Sightings are not guaranteed; watch quietly and do not approach or disturb wildlife.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · Allow 1–2 hours, including the 1 km approach each way; exact time depends on pace and conditions.
Quick chalk-downland visit
- 01
Park in the lay-by on Mystole Lane, as described by Kent Wildlife Trust.
- 02
Follow the Pilgrims Cycle Trail for 1 km to the reserve.
- 03
Explore the rugged chalk grassland, watching for wildflowers and orchids.
- 04
Look for the old farm well; avoid entering or approaching dene holes off the paths.
- 05
Return by the same approach.
Half day · Half day; allow extra time for the approach and rough terrain.
Make a half day of the downland
- 01
Start from the lay-by on Mystole Lane and follow the Pilgrims Cycle Trail for 1 km to Broadham Down.
- 02
Take an unhurried visit through the reserve’s rugged, rolling terrain, looking for chalk grassland flowers and orchids.
- 03
Seek out the old well and, from a safe distance on the paths, the dene holes in the southern part of the reserve.
- 04
Return along the same trail. No additional nearby stops are recommended here because the supplied sources do not establish a worthwhile pairing.
Verified history
Broadham Down was the site of a downland farm until before the Second World War. Its well was the farm’s only source of water. After the farm was abandoned, grassland became overgrown with scrub and woodland; Kent Wildlife Trust says volunteers helped restore the grassland by removing invasive scrub and woodland. Dene holes in the southern part of the reserve are associated with an old mine, now a safe haven for a small number of bats. The Pilgrims Cycle Trail borders the reserve to the north; the trust notes that pilgrims travelled along this route towards Canterbury Cathedral for hundreds of years.
Hidden details
The farm’s sole water source — The old well was the abandoned downland farm’s only source of water. Its exact location and present condition are not specified.
Dene holes above an old mine — The reserve’s southern dene holes are associated with an old mine. The mine now shelters a small number of bats; do not enter holes or leave safe paths.
When to go
· No specific time of day is established by the supplied sources. Sunny conditions may make basking reptiles easier to notice, but sightings are not assured.
Kent Wildlife Trust reports thriving chalk grassland wildflowers and orchids but does not give flowering dates. Spring and summer are a reasonable broad seasonal guide, not a verified peak period.
The reserve has rugged rolling terrain, steep slopes and unsurfaced paths. A dry spell may make the rough approach more manageable; check current conditions before visiting.
What to look for
Look for the old well, once the farm’s only water source, and the dene holes in the southern part of the reserve. The holes are associated with an old mine and provide a safe haven for a small number of bats. Chalk grassland wildflowers and orchids are also noted by Kent Wildlife Trust.
The story
Downland farm; old well; dene holes associated with an old mine
Best time to go
Spring and summer for chalk grassland flowers and orchids; sunny weather may offer a chance of seeing basking reptiles, but sightings are not guaranteed.
Spring and summer are the strongest seasons for the reserve’s wildflowers and orchids. Choose a dry day if possible: the approach and reserve paths are rugged, steep or unsurfaced.
How long to spend
1–2 hours
Perfect for
Walkers · Wildlife lovers · Photographers · History lovers
Before you go
Address
Website
Listed hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
Check before visiting.
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
Kent Wildlife Trust describes a rugged reserve reached from a lay-by on Mystole Lane, followed by 1 km along the Pilgrims Cycle Trail. Entry to the reserve involves stepping through a narrow gap; paths are steep and unsurfaced. Check current access information before visiting.
Check before visiting
Parking
Kent Wildlife Trust reports parking in a lay-by on Mystole Lane, then a 1 km walk along the Pilgrims Cycle Trail to the reserve. Check signage and current arrangements before setting out.
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Toilets
No facilities reported by Kent Wildlife Trust; check before visiting.
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Food & drink
Check before visiting.
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Dogs
Dogs permitted on leads, according to Kent Wildlife Trust. Follow current signage.
Accessibility
Not wheelchair accessible. The approach includes a 1 km compacted gravel track; the reserve has steep slopes and unsurfaced paths, and entry requires stepping through a narrow gap.
Cost
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Gallery
Place photographs
Keep exploring
Around Broadham Down
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
