Darland Banks, Gillingham – Biodiversity and Visitor Access and Interpretation

This project will improve biodiversity, visitor infrastructure and access at Darland Banks Nature Reserve. Darland is made up of 45 hectares of internationally important chalk grassland, scrub and woodland habitat. It supports many rare and threatened species and is well-loved locally, attracting thousands of visitors. The project will clear mature Hawthorne scrub to create species-rich scrub edge and chalk grassland habitat. New livestock fencing will enable effective conservation grazing across the reserve. Topping of hedgerows and clearance will improve visual access for visitors. The installation of new access infrastructure will create an open, welcoming entrance that is suitable for all visitors, including wheelchair users and horse riders. New interpretation at key access points will engage new audiences by celebrating, for example, the wildlife we ‘love to hate’, such as bats and spiders. A volunteer trainee will support practical conservation and visitor engagement at the reserve.