Ranscombe Farm Nature Reserve, Rochester - Woodland management and volunteer facilities (4)

Nearly half of Ranscombe Farm’s 690 acres consists of woodland, much of it ancient and designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The reserve is home to 690 recorded veteran trees that play a key role in a nationally significant tree network. However, past land management has led to the decline of woodland quality, with non-native sweet chestnut now dominating large areas. Its dense canopy hinders the regeneration of native trees, outcompetes rare species such as the endangered Lady orchid (Orchis purpurea), and places stress on veteran trees, all contributing to a loss of biodiversity.

Plantlife has already made important strides in restoring the site, but additional funding is crucial to build on this progress. This project will safeguard vital habitats and create the conditions needed for rare species thrive. It will also improve site infrastructure enabling volunteers and the public to participate in conservation and biodiversity activities:

1. Enhance and restore 14.3acres of woodland to benefit rare and threatened plants, including Lady Orchid (Orchis purpurea), Fly Orchid (Ophrys insectifera), White Helleborine (Cephalanthera damasonium), and Stinking Hellebore (Helleborus foetidus).
2. Protect ancient woodland habitats by carrying out essential conservation work to safeguard up to 70 veteran trees. This includes removing surrounding coppice, reducing tree crowns, and undertaking other necessary interventions.
3. Upgrade site infrastructure - including installation of solar panels, mains water supply, storage containers, and access gates - to support sustainable operations. These improvements will enable volunteers to undertake the on-site works as well as enhance the experience for visitors through better on-site amenities.
4. Encourage greater public engagement in conservation by inviting potential new volunteers identified through community consultation to explore the unique biodiversity and vital habitats of Ranscombe Farm.