Brand new all-season accessible trail at Hothfields Heathland

The new Triangle Trail at Hothfield Heathlands, a local nature reserve managed by Kent Wildlife Trust on behalf of Ashford Borough Council, was unveiled at an event on Wednesday 24th August.

The trail offers visitors year-round access to experience the unique wildlife and heritage of the Hothfield woodlands, including rare birdlife and butterfly species. Those will with accessibility requirements limited mobility will also be able to fully enjoy the trail, which features a new surfaced, high quality surfaced pathway on the flattest part of the Heathlands.

The celebration event began with an opening ceremony and speech from Cllr Matthew Forest, Portfolio Holder for Environment, Property and Recreation of Ashford Borough Council, who funded the development of this all-season trail.

Families were then invited to join a bug hunt to identify some of the unique insect life that makes the woodland a special protected site. The special day ended with visitors joining a warden on a free guided walk and talk around the Triangle Trail to learn about the wildlife and history of the area while experiencing the new circular route.

Cristina Juan, Area Warden at Kent Wildlife Trust, said “Thank you to Ashford Borough Council for funding this new accessible footpath at Hothfield Heathland. Our thanks also go to the members of the Ashford Access Group for their support and guidance in the creation of the trail. Now this part of the Hothfield reserve can be enjoyed all year round and is accessible to all."

Cllr Matthew Forest, Portfolio Holder for Environment, Property and Recreation at Ashford Borough Council said "The new path at Hothfield Triangle is a fantastic opportunity to encourage access to an exceptional area of beautiful woodland.

The Borough Council and Kent Wildlife Trust have worked together to provide the funding and create this new path, which will be a valuable addition to the growing opportunities for our communities to walk in such wonderful surroundings."

Michael Claughton, Chair of Ashford Access Group, said “The Ashford Access group was especially glad to be involved with this project. Now, with its completion, we are delighted it lives up to its intention of being a pleasant walk for all the family, for all generations and for all abilities. A real asset to the Borough.”

The wood-pasture area of the trail is home to many old oak and sweet chestnut trees, which creates homes for hole-nesting birds such as the great-spotted woodpecker and spotted flycatcher. Visitors may also be lucky enough to spot beautiful butterfly species such as the peacock and tortoiseshell, and maybe even the rare white admiral.

Hothfield Heathlands reserve contains Kent’s last four valley bogs and one of its few remaining fragments of open heath, providing crucial habitat to a wide range of unique flora and fauna.

Over the next few months lots of work is planned for wildlife habitats, making the reserve better for the rare orchids, insects and animals that make Hothfield Heathlands their home.

It is hoped that this new accessible trail will allow visitors to get closer to nature year-round and experience the health and wellbeing benefits that being outdoors has to offer.

Kent Wildlife Trust

Kent Wildlife Trust is the county’s leading conservation charity with more than 31,000 members and over 1000 registered volunteers. We manage and protect over 9000 acres of land across more than 80 different sites and nature reserves, alongside 3 visitor centres. We work closely with local communities, landowners and partners to protect and improve habitats in the countryside, coast and town for the benefit of the wildlife and people of Kent. The charity also campaigns against inappropriate and damaging development; and educates and inspires young people to help secure a more sustainable future and create a Wilder Kent.

Visit our website here.

Ashford Borough Council

The project was funded by Ashford Borough Council with money that it has access to from the Department for Transport for improving opportunities for walking and cycling in the borough.

The councils walking and cycling strategy identified the need to enhance routes that will enable people of all abilities to participate in a healthy lifestyle. We were therefore, pleased to work with Ashford Access Group on this project, who provided valuable advice on the layout and design of the path.