Ranscombe Farm

Ranscombe Farm is a nature reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest in Kent, comprising meadows, woodlands, and cultivated fields that support diverse plant life across distinct habitats. The site covers around 250 hectares with marked walking paths allowing visitors to move through various ecological zones.

The site has been farmed since the 17th century, with documented plant collections from 1699 showing how botanical diversity has long been valued here. This extended period of use shaped the landscape and its current ecological character.

The reserve serves as an educational center where researchers and students study local ecology, plant species, and conservation methods.

The easiest way to visit is via Cuxton Railway Station or local bus routes that provide reasonable access to the site. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for damp ground, especially after rain, as much of the reserve experiences wet conditions.

The reserve is home to nationally rare plants including Hairy Mallow, Meadow Clary, Ground Pine, and six orchid species found nowhere else in England. These plants thrive here because of specific soil conditions and farming practices that have been refined over many centuries.