Blean Woods NNR is part of The Blean, the largest ancient broadleaved woodland in southern Britain. Main habitats: woodland Area: 90 hectares Management: partnership of Natural England, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) and the Woodland Trust, with input from Canterbury City Council, Swale Borough Council and Kent County Council Features of interest The Blean is the largest ancient broadleaved woodland in southern Britain. Hornbeam, hazel, beech, oak, birch and sweet chestnut grow on the reserve, while brambles, bracken and bluebells are dominant on the woodland floor. Plants such as common spotted orchid, common centaury and St John’s wort are found in the woodland rides. The Blean is home to many forest birds such as woodpeckers, tree creepers and nuthatch. Spotted flycatcher, nightjar, bullfinch and hawfinch are also seen here and there is an important population of nightingales. A lucky visitor in summer might hear the sweet fluting song of the golden oriole, an occasional summer rarity. The woods are one of the few areas in Britain that supports the heath fritillary butterfly and the scarce seven-spot ladybird can also be found here. There are 4 nature trails through the woods, ranging in length from 1.5 kilometres to 13 kilometres. One route is suitable for wheelchair access. Leaflets and information panels are available for visitor information. The nearest toilet and refreshment facilities are in local towns and villages; there is a picnic area on the reserve. Directions The reserve is west of and immediately adjacent to the A290, opposite Blean village. By car, access to Blean Woods is via tracks from the A290. There is a car park on the reserve. The nearest train stations are Whitstable (6 kilometres to the north), Canterbury East and Canterbury West (5 kilometres to the south east). Regular bus services along the A290 between Canterbury and Whitstable are provided by Stagecoach East Kent. Blean is also close to Route 1 of the Sustrans National Cycle Network. Contact For more information, contact the RSPB: Email blean.woods@rspb.org.uk
Telephone: 0770 683971