Monkton Nature Reserve
WHAT WE DO
Monkton Nature Reserve is a unique environment for British flora and fauna that thrive on chalk-based habitats. It is a charity managed by The Thanet Countryside Trust. Our grassland contains many species of rare orchids and a variety of wildflowers; our woodland is over 40 years old and a haven for birds; our ponds teem with wildlife. Our aims are the promotion of conservation and education for the community.
Things to do
Trail Walks
Sculpture Hunt
Nature Bingo
Brass Rubbing
Ponds
Bat Cave
Chalk Cliffs
THINGS WE DO
Plan Your Visit
The Reserve is open to both members and the general public on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday (Friday during school holidays only), Saturday and Sunday from 10.00am-4.00pm. Last entry to the reserve is 3.00pm. Unfortunately, we are currently unable to open on Bank Holidays.
The Reserve
Monkton Nature Reserve is situated in a 16-acre abandoned chalk quarry on the Isle of Thanet in East Kent.
There are over 350 species of flowering plant, including 10 species of orchid, and 25 species of butterfly have been recorded, along with innumerable other species of insect, mammal, and birdlife.
Support Us
We are a non-profit organisation, and all monies are put back into running the reserve and facilities for future generations.
JOIN US TODAY
- Unlimited FREE entrance to Monkton Nature Reserve during normal opening hours
- Reduced prices for some special talks, presentations and events
- Early notice of school holiday, half-term and other events
- A regular Newsletter covering events at the Reserve and issues relating to the Trust
WHAT PEOPLE HAVE SAID
Year 6 pupils enjoyed a fascinating day at Monkton Nature Reserve. Situated in a 16-acre abandoned chalk quarry and a host to an abundance of flora and fauna, the pupils enjoyed rotating through four activities; pond dipping, a nature walk, a visit to the museum, and collecting minibeasts. What a great day they had!”
Junior Kings Canterbury
“2nd Birchington Guides enjoyed our first of 2 meetings at Monkton nature reserve this evening. The Guides had a great time pond dipping & making bird feeders in beautiful surroundings- looking forward to our next visit!”
Birchington Guides
We really loved the trip out to Monkton Nature Reserve. Such a joy to meet the enthusiastic brilliant volunteers. We look forward to watching the growth and development of the reserve. What an asset to the local community, and of course the wildlife. I expect there will be plenty of hungry winter migrants dropping in for a meal, especially redwing and fieldfare, being driven by the predicted cold northerlies in the next few days.
David Bracher
“I honestly can’t recommend Monkton Nature Reserve enough. Such a beautiful place filled with the most amazing volunteers that keep this absolute little gem of a nature reserve going. We have hunted for fairies, looked at fossils, bugs and butterflies, run, jumped and crunched through leaves, explored some of the many trails AND met some lovely people. For only £25 the family annual pass is SO worth doing. We all can’t wait to go back for some more fun!”
Candice Baker
LATEST NEWS & EVENTS
We officially have a wheelchair-friendly mini-bus, generously donated by Kent County Council!
This van allows us to engage in more community work, specifically bringing small groups to the reserve who either lack transport or have mobility issues (i.e. family/children’s centres, retirement homes) from around the Thanet district. We won’t charge for this service but donations are welcome and by transporting people, we hope they’ll support us in our gift shop/cafe. It’ll be a ’by arrangement’ type of operation rather than having set routes/pick-ups.
If this is something you’d like to organise, please email: contact@monkton-reserve.org
Make sure to wave if you see us driving past! 
GALLERY
