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Plantlife Celebrates 20 Years of Caring for Ranscombe Farm Reserve in Kent

4 June 2026

Plantlife’s Ranscombe Farm Reserve will mark a major milestone this June as conservation charity Plantlife celebrates 20 years of protecting and restoring one of the UK’s most important wildflower sites.

From 6–12 June 2026, Plantlife will host a special week of events and activities at the reserve, bringing together volunteers, local communities, partners and supporters to celebrate Ranscombe’s rich heritage, thriving wildlife and future conservation ambitions.

Plantlife’s flagship reserve, located near Strood and Rochester in Medway, is an Important Plant Area for its rare arable wildflowers and forms part of the North Kent Woods and Downs National Nature Reserve, protected areas established to conserve England’s most important habitats, species and geology.

Spanning more than 660 acres on the slopes of the North Downs, Ranscombe Farm is home to chalk grassland, ancient woodland and rare arable habitats, supporting species including the endangered Ground-pine Ajuga chamaepitys, Broad-leaved Cudweed Filago pyramidata, eleven species of orchid, skylarks and butterflies. The first record in Britain of Meadow Clary Salvia pratensis and Rough Mallow Malva setigera were also at Ranscombe

Ben Sweeney, Ranscombe Farm Reserve Manager at Plantlife, said: “Over the past two decades, Ranscombe Farm has become one of Plantlife’s most visited sites, providing opportunities for the local community to enjoy the countryside and connect with nature. The wide variety of wildflowers create a resource for study and conservation, alongside a nature-friendly working farm.”

Ranscombe Celebration Week will offer opportunities for people of all ages to get involved in a range of free activities, including guided walks, volunteering, heritage and training events. There will also be opportunities for networking and collaboration with local organisations, neighbours, supporters and funders.

The celebration event is part of the Ranscombe Connect project which has been made possible through funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to Lottery Players we have been able to create more opportunities for local people to get involved with Ranscombe Farm Reserve.

The week will also shine a light on the people behind the reserve’s success. Plantlife will use the celebrations to thank dedicated volunteers and share stories from those who have helped care for the landscape over the years.

Mandy Byard, a Plantlife volunteer on Ranscombe Farm, said: “It is five years since I started as a volunteer. The mix of habitats at Ranscombe means there is splendour to find in any season – and in all weathers! I joined an existing team of experienced, skilled, kind and friendly volunteers – all from different backgrounds. The natural environment has given me and my family so much, over the years: it has enhanced the quality of our lives – so it is rewarding for me to be able to give something back.”