Description
The Monkton Nature Reserve is situated in an old chalk quarry that was set up in 1985 as a nature reserve and is also home to a Field Study Centre that is a geological and archaeological museum. On the reserve, visitors can see flora, fauna, and wildlife including a breeding pair of Turtle Doves, Jackdaw, Little Owls and Kestrels, grass snakes, and the rare water vole. The exposed cliffs give an insight into the local geology and source of fossils and visitors can follow the nature trails to find ponds and even an artificial bat cave in this woodland haven.
Younger visitors can take part in activities trails and holiday workshops. There are two Thanet Observatories as the reserve is home to the Monkton Stargazers astronomy group, that hosts a number of public viewing evenings.
Opening Hours
Term Time
Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday
10am to 4pm
Last entry 3pm
School Holidays
Tuesday, Thursday and Friday to Sunday
Price
Field Study Centre: Free
Reserve
Members: Free
Adult: £5
Child: £2.50
Family: £10.
Accessibility
Field Study area – ramp access. Parts are uneven and have slopes around, chalk, grass, and loose wood chipping surfaces throughout, and steps with handrails to the upper part of the Reserve. The picnic area is accessible. Timber decking around the smaller pond, Damselfly Pond is suitable for wheelchairs.
Bus
Monkton Nature Reserve is on the bus route between Canterbury and Ramsgate No.9 and No.11 Ask the driver for the Monkton Nature Reserve stop.
Facilities
Shop • Free Parking • Picnic Area • Toilet • Disabled Toilet
Picture Credit: © The Monkton Nature Reserve.
