All Country Parks & Nature Reserves in Lamberhurst

Why Visit Kent’s Country Parks?

Kent’s country parks and nature reserves protect diverse habitats from ancient woodland to coastal wetlands, providing crucial spaces for wildlife while offering outstanding recreational opportunities. Most parks provide free entry and parking, making them accessible to everyone for walking, cycling, picnicking, and connecting with nature.

Activities at Country Parks

Walking & Hiking

Miles of waymarked trails suit all abilities from gentle strolls to challenging hikes. Popular walks include woodland trails at Shorne Woods, downland paths at Trosley Country Park, and coastal routes at Betteshanger Park. Many parks feature accessible paths suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.

Cycling & Mountain Biking

Traffic-free cycling routes wind through parks including Betteshanger’s purpose-built cycle paths. Mountain bike trails at Bedgebury Forest offer technical challenges, while family-friendly routes at country parks provide safe cycling for all ages.

Wildlife Watching

Kent’s varied habitats support incredible biodiversity. RSPB reserves protect rare birds including marsh harriers, avocets, and bitterns. Woodland parks host deer, badgers, and seasonal wildflowers. Visitor centres provide binoculars, identification guides, and wildlife information.

Play & Picnics

Family-friendly parks feature adventure playgrounds, natural play areas, and extensive picnic facilities. Many provide BBQ areas (where permitted), open spaces for games, and lakeside spots perfect for relaxed family days.

Seasonal Highlights

Spring

Witness spectacular bluebells carpeting ancient woodland (April-May). Hear dawn chorus at peak intensity. Watch newborn fawns and emerging butterflies.

Summer

Enjoy long daylight hours for extended visits. Wildflower meadows reach full bloom. Dragonflies and damselflies patrol ponds and streams.

Autumn

Experience stunning autumn colours as leaves turn golden. Fungi flourish in woodlands. Witness bird migration at coastal reserves. Many parks host Halloween trails.

Winter

Crisp winter walks offer excellent visibility for wildlife watching. Overwintering birds flock to reserves. Frosty mornings create magical landscapes perfect for photography.

Conservation & Education

Country parks and nature reserves play crucial roles in conservation, protecting endangered species, maintaining habitats, and educating visitors about environmental stewardship. Many offer guided walks, wildlife workshops, and volunteer conservation opportunities.

Visitor Facilities

Parking: Most country parks offer free parking. Arrive early on sunny weekends as popular parks fill quickly.

Cafés & Visitor Centres: Larger parks feature cafés serving refreshments and light meals. Visitor centres provide maps, information, and often gift shops supporting conservation work.

Toilets: Facilities available at main park entrances and visitor centres, including accessible toilets and baby changing.

Dogs: Most parks welcome dogs but require leads near livestock and during bird breeding season (April-July). Some parks have designated off-lead areas.

Accessibility

Many parks provide all-ability trails with firm surfaces suitable for wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and pushchairs. Accessible parking spaces located near trail entrances. Tramper mobility scooters available for loan at select locations (advance booking required).

Events & Activities

Country parks host regular events including guided nature walks, wildlife identification workshops, conservation volunteer days, outdoor theatre, parkruns, cycling events, and seasonal celebrations. Check individual park websites for event calendars.

Best Country Parks for Families

Family-friendly parks with excellent facilities include Mote Park (adventure playground, miniature railway), Betteshanger Park (play areas, cycling), Shorne Woods (extensive trails, visitor centre), and Trosley Country Park (stunning views, varied routes).

Photography & Wildlife Observation

Bring binoculars for bird watching and cameras for wildlife photography. Many reserves have designated bird hides providing cover for observation. Early morning and late afternoon offer best wildlife viewing opportunities when animals are most active.

Planning Your Visit

What to Bring: Wear appropriate footwear (wellies in wet weather), dress in layers, bring water and snacks, pack binoculars for wildlife watching, and don’t forget cameras.

Safety: Stay on marked paths, supervise children near water, be aware of cyclists on shared paths, and take maps for longer walks.

Best Times: Early morning offers peace, wildlife activity, and empty car parks. Weekday visits avoid weekend crowds.

Country Parks by Region

North Kent: Shorne Woods, Brockhill, Jeskyns Community Woodland
Mid Kent: Mote Park, Leybourne Lakes, Trosley
East Kent: Betteshanger Park, Pegwell Bay
West Kent: Lullingstone, Darent Valley Path
Coastal: RSPB Dungeness, Elmley Marshes, Cliffe Pools

Supporting Conservation

Help protect Kent’s natural spaces by supporting conservation organizations, volunteering for habitat management, participating in citizen science projects, and following the Countryside Code. Many reserves welcome volunteer support for practical conservation work.

More Outdoor Activities

Combine country park visits with walking trails, cycling routes, wildlife watching, and outdoor activities across Kent.