Wye National Nature Reserve
Wye, near Ashford, Mid Kent
Photo: Tim Sheerman-Chase, CC BY 2.0Photo: Tim Sheerman-Chase, CC BY 2.0
One of the finest stretches of chalk grassland in Kent, covering 134 hectares of the North Downs above Wye. It is famous for the Devil's Kneading Trough, a deep dry valley with views on clear days to Romney Marsh, Rye and Dungeness, and for its 21 species of orchid.
Highlights
- The Devil's Kneading Trough and its viewpoint
- 21 orchid species and rare chalk downland insects
- Viewpoint sculpture that names the landmarks
- Circular nature trail plus public footpaths
Good to know
- The slopes are steep, so take care, especially when wet
- Livestock graze the reserve
- Fossil sharks' teeth have been found on the Downs
Getting there
Wye National Nature Reserve, Coldharbour Road, Wye, Ashford, Kent, TN25 5HEParking: Two car parks, one beside and one opposite the reserve on the road from Wye to Hastingleigh. Coaches by arrangement.
Get directionsChecked on 16 October 2026 against kentdowns.org.uk. Details change, so please confirm with the venue before you travel. How we check
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