Guided Walk: Dover Downland, Flowers & Wildlife Safari
Event Date: 17/06/2023 11:00 - 15:00
Join your guide who’ll lead you on up onto the colourful, chalk downland meadows surrounding the 19th century Western Heights fortifications. Stopping to see and hear about the plentiful wildflowers, orchids, wildlife, geology and history of the area. See stunning, elevated views over countryside and Heritage Coast. We will stop to have our picnic on the hilltop overlooking the sea. The walk will include some steep slopes, steps and possible muddy paths so please bring suitable outdoor footwear and clothing appropriate for the weather forecast. Sun hat, sun lotion. Please bring a packed lunch, snacks and plenty to drink.
Distance: 3.2 miles (5.15km)
Duration: 3.5-4 hours
Email: Melanie.Wrigley@dover.gov.uk
Mobile: 07780 706 990
Should weather conditions not be suitable for the walk, leaders will be in touch to advise postponement or cancellation of this walk.
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Event Location - Western Heights
Western Heights Local Nature Reserve is a large area of cattle grazed chalk grassland, which provides a sanctuary for wildlife. The reserve is also of historic interest owing to two large Napoleonic fortresses: The Citadel and Drop Redoubt, which the reserve surrounds and parts of which are sunken into the hilltops of the Western Heights.
The reserve stretches over a ridge from the eastern end of Aycliffe to the western end of Dover town centre and is split into several fields: Maxton Field and Clarendon Field to the north; St David’s Field, St George’s Field and Ropewalk Field to the south; and Drop Redoubt Field and St Martin’s Battery Field to the east.
The North Downs Way, Saxon Shore Way and England Coast Path pass through the reserve and the site is easily accessible on foot from Dover town centre. Drop Redoubt Field is only a five-minute walk from Dover Priory train station. St Martin’s Battery Field provides stunning views of Dover Castle, the White Cliffs of Dover and the French coast. We manage the reserve on behalf of Dover District Council.
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