Medway nature reserve celebrates anniversary
BBCA Kent nature reserve is marking its 20th anniversary by holding events and activities and appealing for local people to get involved with the site.
Ranscombe Farm Nature Reserve near Strood has become known for its rare plants and habitats since wildlife charity Plantlife began its administration in 2006.
The site covers 622 acres of arable, grass and woodland offering wide-ranging views of the Medway valley and Kent Downs.
Reserve manager Ben Sweeney said the site has "some some of the rarest plants in the whole of the UK", adding: "Where these plants were occurring in tiny pockets, they're now taking over a whole field."
People have lived and farmed the landscape for thousands of years and the reserve helps protect both its natural and historic features.
Ranscombe Farm is the last UK site with Corncockle and has the largest population of the endangered Broad-leaved cudweed.
It is also home to other rare and threatened plants, including Lady orchid, Man orchid, and Meadow Clary, which was first recorded in the UK at Ranscombe in 1690.
A series of celebration events and activities are being held for the community, including forest bathing and bat spotting walks.
Senior Participation Officer, Camile McCawley, is keen to hear ideas from local residents on staging future events and courses.
She said: "We're getting the community in the reserve by putting their skills and interests into what we do here.
"It can involve conservation work, arts and creativity or leading walks. It's very exciting where this can take us."
David Wright has been acting as a volunteer since he retired ten years ago.
He said: "You can watch the David Attenborough documentaries but here you can work with wildlife yourself.
"I've learnt lots of new skills and met many new people since I've volunteered at the reserve. There's always something to do."
The special 20th anniversary events continue until Friday. The nature reserve is open 24 hours a day throughout the year.
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