CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE
Give back to nature this Christmas
The ultimate gift for nature lovers Gift vouchers Our eco-friendly digital gift vouchers are the perfect present. Let your loved one choose to redeem their gift voucher through our events, retail shop or even at our Visitor Centres. Choose from £10, £20, £50 and £100 vouchers which can be used to book Study Days, Wilder Kent Safaris, Bison Ranger experiences and more.
Hampers Kent Wildlife Trust are proud to partner with Tordoff’s, the ultimate gifts and hamper service, to bring you exclusive access to luxury Christmas hampers featuring unique and high quality products from the UK. Tordoff’s works with people in Kent with disabilities to fulfil and dispatch all hampers.
Exclusive experience vouchers Treat someone special to a truly exclusive experience, spending a day immersed in the world of a livestock ranger as they tour the nature reserves, or with special access to one of the Bison Ranger team for a unique day at the Wilder Blean project.
Gift memberships Give your loved one the gift of membership with Kent Wildlife Trust. They will receive our membership magazine, a free ‘Welcome to the Herd’ tote bag and a welcome pack. And as a nature lover, they’ll love to know your gift to them is going straight into nature conservation in Kent.
Charity cards Charity gift cards are a great way of giving back on behalf of someone else. All you have to do is order the card and add a personalised message. We can deliver the card to you or directly to them and the additional income goes straight to conserving wildlife in Kent.
Adopt a species Adopt a species packs support Kent’s most iconic species. Help us preserve and protect them by purchasing a pack. This year, you can buy our new chough adoption packs to celebrate the release of red-billed choughs back to the skies of Dover.
IMPOR TAN
T: Order b y Mond th ay 11 Dec e guaran mber to tee phy sical items a re in the U delivered K in tim e for Chr istmas
SCAN TO SHOP
Visit our online shop now kwtg.uk/shop
WHAT'S ON
AT OUR VISITOR CENTRES Join us for festive fun at our Sevenoaks and Romney Marsh Visitor Centres! Enjoy Christmas stocking wildlife trails, craft natural Christmas tree decorations and more. We have more exciting events coming in the New Year, so don’t forget to sign up for our email newsletter to hear first! kwtg.uk/eventsnewsletter
Check out everything going on at our Visitor Centres by heading to kwtg.uk/visitorcentres
Sevenoaks Visitor Centre Christmas Stocking Trail Weekends throughout December 11am - 3pm
PP Sevenoaks Visitor Centre, TN13 3DH
Family Workshop: Christmas Tree Decorations Saturday 16 December 11am - 1pm
PP
Mini Safari Saturday 25 November 11am - 1pm
PP Romney Marsh Visitor Centre, TN28 8AY Discover the many creatures that call Romney Marsh home.
Sevenoaks Visitor Centre, TN13 3DH
Family Workshop: Christmas Tree Decorations
EVENTS KEY
Saturday 9 December 11am - 1pm
PP Per person Fees or donations apply
2
Romney Marsh Visitor Centre
PP Romney Marsh Visitor Centre, TN28 8AY
Christmas Stocking Trail Weekends throughout December 11am - 3pm
PP Romney Marsh Visitor Centre, TN28 8AY
kentwildlifetrust.org.uk
WHAT'S ON
Please note this is just a small selection of the Study Days we have available. Scan the QR code to view all our Study Days and book, or visit kwtg.uk/studydays
Study Days Attend a Study Day to increase your knowledge and enjoyment of Kent’s wildlife. Booking is essential.
Getting to know Conifers PP Tyland Barn, ME14 3BD Pine, spruce, larch, fir, cedar, redwood - join this introduction to identification of conifers using their foliage and cones.
November 2023
Beaver ecology and field signs 11 November 2023 9am – 4pm
PP
Canterbury, CT1 1YX Explore the world of European beavers in the UK and practice your new skills in an outdoor beaver survey.
Conifers at Bedgebury Pinetum 19 November 2023 10am - 4pm
PP Bedgebury Pinetum, TN17 2SJ Field studies amongst the largest collection of conifers in the UK. Linked to above Study Day.
3
©JON HAWKINS SURREY HILLS PHOTOGRAPHY, BEAVER © NICK UPTON
18 November 2023 10.30am - 3/4pm
WHAT'S ON
February 2024
Amphibian Ecology and Survey Techniques 24 February 2024 2pm - 8pm
PP Tyland Barn and Vinters Valley Nature Reserve Understand the importance of habitats to different amphibians. Recognise the key species and be part of a torchlight survey.
March 2024
Geology of Kent COMMON FROG ©ROSS HODDINOT, CLIFFS AT RECULVER © G DOWNER
8 March 2024 10.30am – 4.30pm
PP Tyland Barn, ME14 3BD An illustrated review of the geology of the Kentish landscape, from the oldest rocks to the youngest sediments.
4
kentwildlifetrust.org.uk
WHAT'S ON
EDUCATION Explore our exciting opportunities for selflearning, exploration and discovery in the enchanting surroundings of our nature reserves.
Scan this QR code to view all our education events and book, or visit kwtg.uk/educationevents
Wilder Holiday Club Various dates throughout 2024 (Easter, May half term, summer holidays and October half term) 9am – 4pm
PP
Tyland Barn, ME14 3BD Our Holiday Club offers days jam-packed with activities, from pond dipping and minibeast hunts to nature-inspired crafts and campfire building, designed to inspire and develop your child’s love of nature.
Home Ed Forest School Fridays during term time 12.45pm - 2.45pm
PP
Nature Tots Tuesdays and Fridays during term time 9.45am - 11.45am
PP
Tyland Barn, ME14 3BD and Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve, TN13 3DH Forest School designed specifically for little ones of pre-school age, Nature Tots aims to inspire a passion for nature that lasts a lifetime.
Tyland Barn, ME14 3BD This Forest School for the home-educated community encourages a relationship with the natural world, whilst offering opportunities to learn new and transferable skills. A range of learner-centered processes and supported risks develop confident, independent and creative children.
Birthday Parties Saturdays and Sundays 10am – 12pm or 1pm – 3pm Tyland Barn, ME14 3BD and Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve, TN13 3DH Take your special day from great to absolutely wild! Bursting with games and activities under four exciting themes, let your wild side run free!
5
WHAT'S ON
WILD ABOUT GARDENS Our team aims to encourage and inspire everyone in Kent to garden for a wilder Kent. Please book in advance.
Scan this QR code to view all our Wild About Gardens events and book, or visit kwtg.uk/wildaboutgardens
Only
£5P P
Interactive workshops PP Our Wild About Gardens Team aims to encourage and inspire everyone in Kent to create vital stepping stones for nature through their gardens. Whether you have a large area that can support a pond, wildflower meadow and vegetable patch or live in an apartment with a windowsill box, you’ll be contributing towards a Nature Recovery Network to reverse the loss of biodiversity. This winter, join a friendly interactive workshop from the comfort of your own home. Pick up ideas, tips and advice on how to make your own gardens more welcoming to nature year-round.
November 2023
POND ©EMMA ROBERTSHAW
Managing pests and diseases in a naturefriendly way 14 November 2023 7.30pm - 9pm
PP Online Discover practical solutions for protecting flowers and vegetables when you garden for wildlife.
6
Building and maintaining a garden wildlife pond 18 November 2023 3pm – 5pm
PP
Online Learn how to construct and plant a garden pond to enjoy and that benefits wildlife.
kentwildlifetrust.org.uk
WHAT'S ON
Unlock the secrets of Wilder Blean:
Brand new Bison Ranger experiences
They’re the perfect people to share all the latest developments from the project. Their unique experience means you’ll get unparalleled insights into the characteristics of the animals and the impact they’re already having in the transformation of the woods. On a longer experience, see the tracking technology available at the Heather Corrie Ranger Station and join the rangers using this, and their well-honed instincts, to give you the best chance of an animal sighting. With dates available throughout December and the new year, these tickets make perfect Christmas gifts or personal treats. For a truly exclusive visit in 2024, you’ll find a limited number of experience vouchers available on our online shop to gift a loved one. Dive deeper into the innovative conservation efforts of the Wilder Blean project and the long-term vision for this unique reserve. Lace up your walking boots and join us for an inspiring day in the heart of this ancient woodland, led by the people who know Wilder Blean best!
Bison Ranger Experiences: Guided Tour
West Blean & Thornden Woods, CT6 7NZ
PP
8 November and 6 December 2023 10am - 12.30pm 13 January and 10 February 2024 10am - 12.30pm 16 March 2024 2pm - 4.30pm
Bison Ranger Experiences: A Morning at West Blean West Blean & Thornden Woods, CT6 7NZ
PP
Scan this QR code to see all upcoming Bison Ranger experiences, or visit kwtg.uk/rangerexperiences
15 November and 13 December 2023 10am - 1.30pm 20 January and 9 March 2024 10am - 1.30pm
7
BISON RANGER ©TOM CAWDRON, BISON ©DONOVAN WRIGHT
Take your Wilder Blean experience to the next level and discover the heart of the project like never before. Join our Bison Rangers themselves to delve deeper into the world of European bison, Exmoor ponies, longhorn cattle and Ironage pigs. Our rangers, custodians of this pioneering herd, will be your guides to these extraordinary experiences.
WHAT'S ON
Live the Wild Life Wilderness Experiences Immerse yourself in the natural world with this exciting new programme of wilderness experiences at West Blean and Thornden Woods. See the woodland in a new light as you learn to craft tools, master the art of lighting fires without matches and create natural dyes. Whether you bring a friend or make new connections with fellow nature-lovers, these hands-on adventures promise an unforgettable way to experience a Wilder Kent.
Scan this QR code to view all of our available experiences and to book, or visit kwtg.uk/livethewildlife
PLAYING IN WOODLAND ©DAVID TIPLING/2020VISION, TYLAND BARN IN SNOW ©STEVEN WEEKS
Autumnal Arts 11 November 2023 10.30am - 2.30pm West Blean & Thornden Woods, CT6 7NZ Make your own tools and get creative using natural dyes prepared over flames.
Natural Festivities 9 December 2023 10.30am - 2.30pm West Blean & Thornden Woods, CT6 7NZ Learn the art of natural fire lighting and craft a wild winter decoration
Winter Wonders 10 February 2024 10.30am - 2.30pm West Blean & Thornden Woods, CT6 7NZ Embrace the great outdoors with bushcraft skills and campfire cooking.
8
Christmas at West Blean & Thornden Woods 19 December 1 hour sessions between 11am - 3pm
PP
West Blean & Thornden Woods, CT6 7NZ Try your hand at making festive decorations from natural materials.
Christmas at Tyland Barn 9, 16 and 21 December 2023 1.5 hour sessions between 1pm and 4.30pm
PP
Tyland Barn, ME14 3BD Festive fun for all the family with wintery crafts, wildlife trails and warming hot chocolate around the campfire.
kentwildlifetrust.org.uk