KENTSTAYCATION
Nature First cont...
© Rebecca Douglas Photography
ELMLEY NATURE RESERVE through the reserve for you to explore the rich history that runs through this woodland and a number of rare birds and moths including the nightingale and silky wave moths.
Farm stays across Kent each offer an authentic experience; exploring West Kent can invite you to stay at Three Chimneys Farm( threechimneysfarm. co. uk). Set in the heart of the Weald, you will follow a one-mile farm track where you’ ll find the farm with one self-catering cottage and two B & B double rooms available. You will only be a few steps away from Bedgebury Forest( forestryengland. uk / bedgebury); with mountain biking trails and ancient woodland to explore, the forest is home to a variety of diverse bird species from the European green woodpecker to the elusive nightjar.
A short distance away is the awardwinning Bedgebury Pinetum, ideal for families to spend the day exploring with an established café and nature trails where you can discover the world-leading collection of conifers containing over 12,000 unique specimens. In the evening, make your way to Birchwood Restaurant( birchwood-family. com), which is located on Taywell Farm in the nearby village of Goudhurst. The restaurant is set amongst orchards and rolling fields- with regular steak and burger nights and a farm-totable ethos, local Kentish producers are at the heart of every dish.
SLEEP UNDER THE STARS
Nature-led staycations can be truly magical; when staying in a bespoke shepherd’ s hut with rustic charm and surrounding natural habitat, there is not much that can beat a rural escape where you’ re connected to nature without sacrificing comfort.
Heading south through the Kent Downs can lead you to Shepherd’ s Watch, a 120-year-old grand wagon from the age of steam. Spanning an incredible history since the 1890s, it is now a bespoke accommodation with Greenhill Glamping( greenhillglamping. co. uk), a family-run farm near Dover. The wagon is fully equipped with a king-size bed and coffee machine, and insulated walls made using sheep’ s wool for a comfortable sleep on cool summer nights.
Set in its own private grass meadow, experience spectacular views across the farm, waking up to uninterrupted birdsong followed by sounds of nearby farm animals from sheep to horses. The rural retreat offers a chance to feel connected to Kent’ s natural landscape and wildlife, spending the evening by the firepit, toasting warm marshmallows as the stars begin to appear above you.
A hidden gem to discover in Kent’ s more rural regions is The Saltbox Shepherd Hut at Elmley Nature Reserve( elmleynaturereserve. co. uk) on the Isle of Sheppey. The shepherd hut is equipped with two beds and one bathroom, suitable for families and couples to unwind while taking in the stretching views of the nature reserve. A kitchenette, dining area and outside shower and bath provide all the comforts of a luxury stay, while being immersed in a nature-first location unlike any other.
The Isle of Sheppey hosts a biodiverse habitat, nationally recognised as one of the richest areas of wildlife in South East England. Depending on the season, you are likely to see a variety of raptors and
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