Ranscombe Farm Reserve making a difference... Britain’s countryside Save it with flowers “One of the best places Introduction I know for wild flowers, Plantlife’s Ranscombe Farm Reserve is an historic and only just out of town” landscape famous for its rare wild flowers. Over the following pages we outline some of the achievements of a major “Some children had four-year project to improve this 620-acre reserve and create a new public green space. This has brought huge benefits for: never been on a “I came on the walk in puddles... • the internationally important wildlife at Ranscombe orchid survey • the people of the local Medway towns. Ranscombe really day and saw opened their eyes The reserve includes arable landscapes, extensive ancient woodland and them in their fragments of chalk grassland. A large part is within the Cobham Woods Site to what is near their of Special Scientific Interest, and the whole farm is within the Kent Downs home environment” hundreds when Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Year 6 teacher I expected to see Ranscombe has remained largely unaltered only one or two” since the 18th century and has been a favourite haunt of wild plant enthusiasts for hundreds of years. The first UK recording of two important species, meadow clary and “For anyone with an hairy mallow, happened at Ranscombe Farm in 1699 and 1792 respectively. Both species interest in nature survive in the same spot. Ranscombe is a must” The reserve is also famous for its arable flora and two of the fields are believed to be the most important site in Britain for annual arable plants. “Our short This £748,000 Community Heritage Project ended in summer 2014. It was walk turned made possible through generous funding into 2.8 miles” from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and the support of Medway Council. 2 Ranscombe Farm Reserve making a difference 3 for wildlife Wild fl ower grassland 60 acres bought and being restored to wild fl ower grassland, supporting fl owers like eyebright, pyramidal orchid and nationally rare ground-pine, as well as providing a home for skylarks and rare bumblebees. Nationally important areas Experimental areas immediately colonised by rare and scarce plants such as prickly Natural woodland poppy, rough poppy and stinking chamomile. 3 acres of dense plantation As a result, Brockles Field is now nationally removed to allow natural woodland important for rare annual wild fl owers. and grassland to re-establish. Woodland wildlife Over 1 mile of new tracks created to help long- term management of more than 200 acres of protected ancient woodland. Following our woodland management work, rare woodland fl owers like hoary cinquefoil have been discovered for the fi rst time, and butterfl ies such as white admiral are spreading. Orchids and butterfl ys Ancient chalk grassland extended by clearing scrub. As a result man orchids have spread, hairy mallow populations are “Ranscombe booming, and rare insects, such as grizzled skipper butterfl ies, are now in the area. is a botanical treasure trove nestling in the Pictured right: Clustered bellfl ower at Ranscombe Farm Reserve Medway Valley” 4 Ranscombe Farm Reserve for people miles of paths created or improved through woodland, grassland and 10 fi elds. This includes new way-marking and routes for cyclists and horse-riders – all put in place by volunteers. The reserve is more inviting and easier to explore, with better entrances, paths and seating. New access from the nearby urban area for families with buggies and people using wheelchairs or mobility scooters. events attracting more than 1,000 people, from guided walks and open days, to arts activities, 60 training courses and craft events. people from 25 different community groups attend 1,000 talks about the reserve. people trained in wild plant identifi cation, heritage crafts 130 and other skills. schoolchildren introduced to Ranscombe and the importance of 1,300 wild plants, with tailored activities for schools. On-site maps and other information explain the wildlife and cultural importance of the reserve. Printed and online materials help people explore and learn about Ranscombe in their own time. “Until I went with people take part in activities aimed at local families. Social media and my children to an 700 geocaching (treasure hunting with a hand-held GPS) help us reach new audiences. event, I did not realise what a lovely place it is – and the event was superb” 6 Ranscombe Farm Reserve in partnership Volunteers 78 volunteers worked a total of 700 days, from managing grassland and woodland (pictured), to creating and maintaining footpaths and putting in new signs, to plant surveys and events. We estimate this is worth £55,000. Children 40 children from local housing estates created a major new public artwork to celebrate Ranscombe’s wild plants. Young people and families We worked closely with Medway Youth Service and Sure Start to encourage young people and families to enjoy the reserve. Farmers With our tenant farmer, we increased the land dedicated to wild fl owers by 35 acres, securing more agri-environment funding to support the farm management. Charities, councils and statutory bodies From developing the Ranscombe Vision and our programme of habitat management, to improving paths and gates, we worked in partnership with organisations including Kent Downs AONB, Valley “There are a lot of Visions Project, RSPB, Kent Wildlife Trust, Medway Council and Natural England. of people who look up to the conservation work at Ranscombe” 8 Ranscombe Farm Reserve Acknowledgements We have only been able to achieve so much through working with others. We are grateful to everyone who has helped us on the way, and our particular thanks go to: The Heritage Lottery Fund Medway Council All our dedicated volunteers, for their hours of tireless work and their help in guiding the project Medway Youth Service Detached Team Bligh Children’s Centre Medway Libraries Andrew Lingham of Court Farm for his hard work, support and cooperation The Nineveh Trust RSPB Kent Wildlife Trust Kent Downs AONB Natural England The National Trust, Cobham Park West Kent Downs Countryside Trust The Valley of Visions Project and Securing the Landscape The residents of Ranscombe Farm Cottages and the people of Cuxton and Strood Photography Cover: Rough poppy, Ranscombe Farm Reserve, ©Bob Gibbons/Plantlife Pages 1, 5, 10: ©Bob Gibbons/Plantlife Page 7: ©Richard Orridge Page 9: ©Plantlife This was “ the Sunday best ever” Cerys, aged 10 10 Ranscombe Farm Reserve making a difference 11 Ranscombe London 30 miles Farm Reserve Cobham 1 mile Strood Cobham Woods Kitchen Field Rochester 2 miles Brockles Field Mill Hill Longhoes Field Dover 45 miles Cuxton Patron: HRH The Prince of Wales Ranscombe Farm Reserve Ranscombe Farm Project Offi ce Court Farm, Pilgrims Road, Upper Halling, Rochester, Kent ME2 1HR 01634 245413 [email protected] We are Plantlife www.plantlife.org.uk/ranscombe Plantlife is the organisation that is speaking up Plantlife HQ, 14 Rollestone Street, for our wild fl owers, plants and fungi. From the Salisbury, Wiltshire SP1 1DX open spaces of our nature reserves to the corridors 01722 342730 of government, we’re here to raise their profi le, to [email protected] celebrate their beauty, and to protect their future. www.plantlife.org.uk Wild fl owers and plants play a fundamental role Plantlife is a charitable company limited by guarantee, for wildlife, and their colour and character light up Company No. 3166339. Registered in England and Wales, Charity our landscapes. But without our help, this priceless No. 1059559. Registered in Scotland, Charity Number: SC038951. natural heritage is in danger of being lost. ISBN number. 978-1-910212-05-9 June 2014 Join us in enjoying the very best Design: evansbleep.co.uk that nature has to offer..