BISON RANGER EXPERIENCE
© Tim Horton
A Morning at West Blean
1 April, 19 April, 11 May and 3 June
West Blean and Thornden Woods, CT6 7NZMeet the people who know the Wilder Blean project best. You’ll take an in-depth look at this pioneering wilding initiative, discover more about the herd and how they’re monitored, then head out to explore the woods and use the rangers’ expertise to try tracking the bison, ponies and cattle.
FAMILY EVENTS
Spring is the perfect time to reconnect with nature, and we’re here to help! We have an exciting line up of events to inspire adventure and exploration, from pond dipping, woodland walks and special weekend
Pond Dipping
5 and 6 April
10.30am - 12pm
As part of the Kent Big Weekend, enjoy a pond dipping session during your visit to Tyland Barn
Tyland Barn, ME14 3BD
30 May
Have a go at pond dipping and learn how to identify what you find under the water.
Tyland Barn, ME14 3BD and Sevenoaks, TN13 3DH
Spring Family Fun
11 April
10.30am - 12pm
Celebrate spring with seasonal, nature-inspired crafts and an outdoor trail.
Tyland Barn, ME14 3BD, Sevenoaks, TN13 3DH and West Blean, CT6 7NZ
Wild Woodland Walk
30 May
Discover the wildlife that calls the woodland home, and what makes it a welcoming habitat for them.
West Blean, CT6 7NZ
Big Wild Weekend at Tyland Barn
14 June
Take part in all things wild during this special event to mark the Big Wild Weekend. Tyland Barn, ME14 3BD
Nature Tots
This spring, bring your little explorers to Nature Tots – a parent and toddler group where your children will embark on journeys of discovery with hands-on activities. With our Forest School approach, children lead their own learning, sparking confidence and a love for nature! Our 6-week programmes welcome all pre-schoolers at Tyland Barn and Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve.
Wilder Holiday Club
Wilder Holiday Club is now award winning at the Beautiful South Awards for Active and Learning Experience of the Year!
Hosted at our wonderful sites by our dedicated tutors, Holiday Club has days packed full of activities from pond dipping to mini-beast hunts. No two days are ever the same!
With dates throughout the school holidays, Wilder Holiday Club is available at Tyland Barn in Maidstone, and Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve.
Home Ed Forest School
Join us this spring for a Forest School designed specifically for home educated families – it’s den-building, bug-hunting, fire-making, marshmallow-toasting time outside!
Forest School activities are proven to improve self-esteem, confidence and to develop key skills for independent learning. all while encouraging a respect for the environment and a re-connection with nature.
Sessions run from Tyland Barn and Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve.
Birthday Parties
Celebrate from just £160.
Unleash your child’s wild side with our Wilder Birthday Parties! Hosted at our stunning reserves, these adventures are packed with games and nature-inspired activities. Choose from themes like Minibeast Madness, Teddy Bear’s Picnic, Wildlife Adventurer and Wild, Wet n’ Wacky - there is something for everyone!
Woodland Birthday Parties offer Forest School fun with survival skills, crafting and wildlife discovery.
Available year-round –rain or shine!
Fees or donations apply per person and booking is essential for all events.
WEEKEND WELLNESS
Take some time for yourself over the weekend and spend a couple of hours with our Wilder Wellbeing team. Choose from a variety of activities designed to increase your wellness by encouraging you to connect with the natural world.
Forest Bathing in the Blean
23 March, 27 April
Soothe your body and mind on a guided, meditative walk through the woods, inspired by the Japanese practice of Forest Bathing- Shinrin Yoku.
West Blean and Thornden Woods, CT6 7NZ
Nature Retreat at West Blean
18 May
Immerse yourself in the natural world for a day of woodland inspired wellness, including healing forest bathing and calming crafting.
West Blean and Thorden Woods, CT6 7NZ
Fees or donations apply per person and booking is essential for all events.
OPEN GARDENS AND WILD ABOUT GARDENS WORKSHOPS AND EVENTS
Wilder Gardening workshops
26 March , 18 June
Learn how t with nature at its heart at our seasonal workshops. o build a garden
Tyland Barn, ME14 3BD
£35 per person
Nature-friendly open garden in Faversham
11 May
One of our most popular open gardens, this is a three-acre wildlife oasis in the making.
Langdon Court, Faversham, ME13 9DA
£5 per person
Children FREE
PLUS optional add-on activities
Tyland Barn open garden and nature park
26 July
Explore our head office’s gardens at Tyland Barn. Our gardens team will be on hand with advice, garden tours and optional craft activities.
Tyland Barn, ME14 3BD
FREE to attend with optional add-on activities
Open farm garden safari in Shadoxhurst
22 June
Don’t miss out on this chance to visit two nature-friendly farm gardens and their neighbouring land.
Green Farm Kent, Shadoxhurst, TN26 1LT and Moat Farm, Shadoxhurst, TN26 1LY
£5 per person
Children FREE
Fees or donations apply per person and booking is essential for all events.
WILDER KENT EXPERIENCES
Introducing a fresh way to experience the wild. Meet Kent Wildlife Trust’s Area Wardens, who look after our reserves and ensure they remain beautiful havens for wildlife. Each warden has personally chosen a specialist species or reserve to share with you in a small group on these engaging experiences – you could even try your hand at a new skill, like bat detecting or moth trapping! knowledgeable reserve wardens, we invite you to join us for inspiring new encounters.
Walk with the Cows at Heather Corrie Vale
16 April
TN15 6AE
Nightingales at Burnt Oak Woods
19 April and 17 May
Enjoy special access to this woodland to experience the beautiful music of nightingales.
TN26 2EL
From Industry to Sanctuary at Oare Marshes
23 April and 23 May
Meet the Moths at Tyland Barn
21 May and 18 June
Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to spend the morning with our Area Wardens as they unload moth traps set the previous evening and demonstrate trapping and identification techniques.
Tyland Barn, Maidstone, ME14 3BD
£35 per ticket
Walk with the Cows at Hothfield Heathlands
8 May
TN26 1HD
Beginners Guide to Bushcraft
17 May
TN13 3DH
Bats and Amphibians at Hothfield Heathlands
16 May
As the sun sets, head out to the heathland with echometers, nets and torches to learn the best techniques for spotting the wildlife that becomes most active after dark.
TN26 1HD
Beavers and Buffalo at Ham Fen
18 May
CT14 0DZ
Evening Wildlife at Tyland Barn
27 - 28 May
ME14 3BD
WALK WITH A WARDEN
These guided walks are the perfect way to discover a new reserve or see one you’re familiar with in a different light. These walks are a great introduction to seasonal highlights and the plants and wildlife to look out for during your visit.
Spring at Hothfield
4 May
Become familiar with seasonal heathland plants and wildlife on this guided walk.
TN26 1HD
Spring at Sevenoaks
7 May
TN13 3DH
Orchids at Yockletts Bank and Park Gate
14 May and 21 May
CT4 5PZ
Spring at Cromers Wood
15 May
Spot the signs of spring that can be found in this special woodland.
ME9 8AD
Dawn at Holborough Marshes
9 May
It’s dawn chorus season, so enjoy the lovely soundtrack of nature whilst on a guided walk of the marshes.
ME6 5FB
Spring at Marden Meadows
12 June
TN12 0JQ
Marden Meadow © Anne Tipples
£16 per ticket
© Terry Whittaker
STUDY DAYS AND COURSES
Attend a Study Day or course to increase your knowledge and enjoyment of Kent’s wildlife. Please note this is just a small selection of events we have available. To view all our Study Days and courses and book visit our website
Beaver ecology and field signs
29 March and 5 April
Dive into the world of European beavers in the UK and transform your newfound knowledge into action during an outdoor beaver survey.
Old School Hall, School Lane, Fordwich, CT2 0DG
Bird Calls for Beginners NEW
26 April
Why do birds sing? Join us for a fascinating insight into the world of bird song and discover how to identify birds by their songs and calls.
Pegwell Bay
Introduction to Solitary bees
3 May
An introduction to the ecology and identification of solitary bees. Immerse yourself in a mix of classroom insights and outdoor exploration, where you’ll uncover the secrets of these hardworking pollinators.
Tyland Barn, Maidstone, ME14 3BD
Responsible beginners’ beekeeping
4 May
An introductory course for anyone interested in learning more about bees and the craft of beekeeping.
Tyland Barn, Maidstone, ME14 3BD
Broad-leaves trees in spring
11 May
Step into the vibrant world of spring. Learn to identify trees and shrubs by their blossoming flowers and fresh, budding leaves.
Tyland Barn, Maidstone, ME14 3BD
Geology of Kent
16 May
An illustrated review of the geology of the Kentish landscape, from the oldest rocks to the youngest sediments.
Tyland Barn, Maidstone, ME14 3BD
Reptile Ecology and Survey Techniques
17 May
Discover how to identify reptiles and learn about their habitat requirements before searching for reptiles in a nearby nature reserve.
Tyland Barn, Maidstone, ME14 3BD and Vinters Valley Nature Reserve
Beginners’ Birdwatching
18 May
Learn how to identify birds on this introductory course. An indoor introduction will be followed by an outdoor session to look for birds of woodland and wetland.
Tyland Barn, Maidstone, ME14 3BD and Holborough Marshes Reserve
Introduction to Orchids
28 May
What do you know about wild orchids: their life cycles, where to find them, and how to identify them? Discover all this and more.
Tyland Barn, Maidstone, ME14 3BD and Ranscombe Farm Reserve
Beginners’ Guide to Wildflower Identification NEW
31 May
Learn how to identify and classify flowers, how to use botanical keys and gain a better understanding of botanical terms.
Tyland Barn, Maidstone, ME14 3BD
Fees or donations apply per person and booking is essential for all events.
- Previous
- Our marvelous members
Continue Reading
Wilder Kent Magazine
Spring 2025
Published
Welcome
Published
Adonis Blue
Published
More From Kent Wildlife Trust
Published
Our marvelous members
Published
We defend and restore
Published
We Inspire and Collaborate
Published
We strengthen and grow
Published
Urgent Appeal: Restore and connect Hoathly Farm
Published
Kent Wilder AWARDS
Published
Local news
Published
Give a gift in your will
Published