A truly beautiful site that mixes steep, hilly pastures with woodland and which boasts some spectacular views, The Larches is made even more appealing due to its relatively inaccessible location.
Located within the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, The Larches is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Area of Conservation. It is made up of an intricate mix of habitats including woodland (beech, yew and ash), scrub and chalk grassland.
A Kent Wildlife Trust nature reserve, The Larches is unusual in that access to it is possible only on foot, although it is perhaps this remoteness that creates a special atmosphere, and a real sense of being hidden away from the modern world.
The site can be visited as part of some longer walks. The ancient Pilgrims Way track runs along the bottom of the site, while the North Downs Way follows along its northern boundary.
A team of volunteers meets on the first Monday of every month to carry out conservation work in the reserve, which holds a special place in the affections of those who know it well.
Easy access information
This park and open space contains uneven trails, un-surfaced or narrow pathways. Also, there are width restricting features, such as stiles and narrow gaps making it difficult for visitors with pushchairs and/or wheelchairs to access some parts of the site.
