Bonsai Bank and Denge Wood, Kent

Denge Wood is a large complex of woodland in a remote and peaceful part of the Stour Valley.  It includes a flower-rich area of chalk grassland known as Bonsai Bank.

Bonsai Bank is an excellent site for Lady Orchids, which should be in full flower at the time of the Field Meeting.  Fly Orchids and White Helleborines are also present as well as the more common types of orchid such as Twayblades, Common Spotted Orchids, etc. It is also an excellent area for butterflies, particularly Duke of Burgundy.

Getting there:

By road:  Denge Wood can be reached from the A28, which runs from Junction 9 of the M20 up to Canterbury.  From the village of Godmersham, which is about half way between the M20 and Canterbury, head east to the village of Sole Street.  Go through Sole Street and then turn left onto Penny Pot Lane.  The car park is on the right just after entering Denge Wood.

Please note that this is parking at the side of the road close to the start of the track to Bonsai Bank (what3words: marsh.cakes.windpipe).  There is an off road car park marked ‘Denge Wood Car Park’ about 500m further on marked on most maps.  This can be used if there is no space at the preferred parking place. 

Practical matters:

09.30am meet at the car park at the start of the Bonsai Bank track.  If arriving late, call the Event Organiser on 07989 494232, to catch up with the group.

Please note that there are no facilities on site.  Please bring a packed lunch

RPS Members Free Non-RPS Members £5