Ham Street Woods National Nature Reserve

Ham Street Woods is a 175.2-hectare biological Site of Special Scientific Interest located south of Ashford in Kent. This Grade I Nature Conservation Review site features a semi-natural wood that is over 400 years old, comprising Barrow Wood, Bourne Wood, and Carter's Wood. The reserve is notable for its rich and diverse invertebrate population, including 12 rare or scarce dead wood species, such as the nationally rare beetle Tomoxia biguttata. Access is available via the Greensand Way, which traverses the site. Visitors to Ham Street Woods can expect to see a variety of butterflies, particularly in July when species like the Brimstone, Meadow Brown, and Gatekeeper are most active, often peaking around 01:00. Other butterflies such as the Peacock and Green-veined White also flourish during this month. For those interested in birdwatching, January may offer sightings of Grey Herons and Moorhens. Overall, July is the best time to experience the vibrant wildlife of this historic woodland.