Wild Futures Taster Session - Folkestone Downs

Event Date: 15/02/2025 11:00 - 14:00

16-24 year old volunteer taster session.

Do you want to develop your career in conservation and build your CV? Would you like to learn some new outdoor practical skills? Or do you simply love nature and want to help wildlife?

Join ranger Brad at the unique chalk grassland downs to learn how to build and repair steps and boardwalks, to improve access to the site.

No previous experience necessary!

uring the session you will:

• Learn about the role of steps and boardwalks in allowing access onto nature reserves, including protecting sensitive habitats.
• Learn how to use essential tools such as saws and drills safely and effectively
• Identify any protected species or habitats that must be avoided during construction or repair

Gain digital certificates when you join for volunteer tasks

Bronze: 1 task
Silver: 4 tasks
Gold: 8 tasks

Attendees under 18 must have guardian consent prior to attending the session.

Support is available to assist with public transport costs.

Detailed instructions on how to get to site will be provided after booking.

Event Location - Folkestone Downs

Folkestone Downs are a prominent ridge of chalk hills to the north of Folkestone and form part of the North Downs escarpment that runs through Kent and Surrey. White Cliffs Countryside Partnership manage 72 hectares of the Downs on behalf of Eurotunnel including Castle Hill, Sugarloaf Hill, Round Hill and Cheriton Hill.

The chalk grassland on the steep south-facing slopes of the Downs is some of the richest for wildlife in the UK and the whole site is accordingly designated both a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). The chalk grassland is at its best in spring and summer when you may see dozens of wildflower and butterfly species during an afternoon’s walk.

Folkestone Downs also supports areas of wildflower-rich grassland that have been restored from arable farmland, as well as patches of secondary woodland that became established on the Downs during the second half of the 20^th century. At Holywell Coombe, freshwater springs emerge and feed a small area of calcareous fen that provides another important habitat for wildlife.

The Downs have a long history of human occupation and land use that stretches back more than 4,000 years. Archaeological excavations in the 1980s uncovered evidence of a Bronze Age settlement at the foot of Sugarloaf Hill, and the impressive earthworks of a Norman motte-and-bailey fort can be seen on the summit of Castle Hill. At Cherry Garden Hill a large Bronze Age round barrow is rather unusually crowned by a WWII pillbox.

The North Downs Way passes along the crest of Folkestone Downs and links with Folkestone Warren to the east. There are also many other established paths to help you explore.