When choosing Hamstreet for a trip, you can focus on different things, from nature trails in Ham Street Woods National Nature Reserve and sections of two walking routes to local architectural history. The woodland landscape of the reserve is at the heart of the area. Other highlights include the Saxon Shore Way, the Greensand Way and historic buildings. You can plan your visit around whether nature, walking or cultural history is your main interest.
Woodland History and Biodiversity
Ham Street Woods is a remnant of ancient woodland that once covered the entire Weald after the last Ice Age. The area is part of the larger, fragmented Orlestone Forest, a remnant of the once-continuous oak forest that covered the Weald. Ham Street Woods is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) of national importance. The designation reflects several areas of broadleaf woodland with outstanding bird and invertebrate communities.
Rare moths include the Triangle Moth and Silky Wave. The area is also home to White Admirals, nightingales and hawfinches, as well as the protected great crested newt and hazel dormouse. The wildlife you may spot varies by season. The species list makes clear that the reserve is shaped not only by its woodland history but also by its birds and invertebrates.
Nature Trails and Walking Routes
The nature reserve has three waymarked nature trails, including one with an accessible surface. The Saxon Shore Way passes through the reserve. The Greensand Way runs from Haslemere in Surrey to Hamstreet in Kent; shorter sections are also available for walkers. The routes therefore differ both in their connection with the reserve and in the option of choosing a shorter section of the Greensand Way.
If you mainly want to explore the trails in the reserve, the three nature trails are the obvious choice. For a walk on one of the longer routes, consider the Saxon Shore Way or the Greensand Way. Before travelling, check the precise route and the accessibility information for the trail with the accessible surface.
Access and Directions
The main entrance to Ham Street Woods National Nature Reserve is at the end of Bourne Lane in the village of Hamstreet. There is a small car park there. A voluntary parking contribution can be paid in advance or on the day of your visit via the RingGo app. Ham Street station is a five-to-ten-minute walk from the reserve, a distance of less than 0.5 kilometres. These details provide two clear reference points for your visit: the station for the walk and the main entrance on Bourne Lane.
Ham Street station has step-free Category A access to all platforms. If you are travelling by train, you can factor the stated walking time to the reserve into your plans. A free education pack and an identification or observation guide are also available to download. As download availability may change, check what is available before your trip.
Railway and Local History
Hamstreet and Orlestone Railway Station opened in 1851 and was designed by William Trees for the Ashford to Tonbridge line. The rural station building, in the Italianate style, remains unchanged on the outside, and its veranda is still intact. The station’s architecture offers a distinct cultural and historical point of interest, separate from the woodland and walking landscape.
The Church of the Good Shepherd is another such point of interest. Originally built as a Methodist chapel, it is part of a local ecumenical partnership between the Methodist Church and the Church of England. Together with the station’s history, it offers a glimpse of local architectural and church history alongside nature and walking.
Cycling and Horse Riding
An access arrangement published on 2 December 2016 permitted horse riding and cycling at a location marked on the map within the reserve. These rights are not permanent and may be reviewed by Natural England; current restrictions may apply. If you plan to cycle or ride at the marked location, check the current access arrangements beforehand.
Discover more destinations: Woodchurch, Broad Street, Folkestone, Throwley Forstal, Deal, Saint MargaretĘĽs At Cliffe, Southborough, Sutton Valence
For the main travel overview: Kent.
