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Buckland lake reserve

Buckland lake reserve is a new and exciting SSSI nature reserve on the north Kent marshes.  Covering 60 acres of flooded chalk quarry and surrounding land, the reserve is a fantastic place to come and see a wide range of wildlife.

We have a large modern class room/meeting room that is available for hire all year round which has views across the lakes. Seats 30. The reserve team offer guided walks, bat and glow-worm evenings during the summer and volunteering opportunities. School groups and nature groups can have a 'walk with the warden' and enjoy bird spotting and habitat building. 'out of the office' days also available to give your staff an affordable, enjoyable breath of fresh air and to spend the day doing something exciting and enjoyable.

The fishing lakes have disabled access platforms and disabled toilet facilities. The dive centre is open 6 days a week 'closed Thursdays' please call for further details.

Getting about & hides:  Hard surface pathways surround the lake and on the north side a 30 foot bird hide that has amazing elevated views across the reserve perfect for bird spotting. There are also four viewing platforms at various points along the mile long path. A beautiful cherry and rowan avenue has been planted along the south pathway.

Facilities: Buckland Lake Nature reserve only opened in the summer of 2008 and is still a developing site, but there is plenty of parking, and a toilet.

Wildlife highlights: The list of wildlife spotted so far includes; little and great crested grebes, gadwall, pochard, tufted duck, golden eye duck, shoveler, lapwing, sand piper, kestrel, hobby, sand martin, mistle thrush, fieldfare, and kingfisher to name just a few!

We also provide fantastic habitat for butterflies, moths, dragonflies, dormice and insects.

Opening times & entrance fee: Our opening times are: 8.00 - 18.00 or dusk in winter with last entry onto the reserve at 17.00. 7 days a week.
Entry fee is: £2.50 per adult and £1.50 for under 16's.

Events: Every other Thursday and Sunday we have 'volunteer gardening days' which is a chance for people of all ages and abilities (under 16 yrs have to bring a responsible adult) to get involved and find out what its like to help run and maintain a nature reserve. The day starts at 11.00 and finishes at 3.30 with plenty of breaks for tea and chatting in between! Details are on the website.

How to get there: Buckland lake is within easy access of London, Rochester and Ebbsfleet intl rail station.

. From the M2 at junction 1 take the A289 for 'Wainscott, Grain, Medway city estate'

. Take 2nd left onto B2000 'Lower Rochester road' heading for Cliffe.

. Three quarters of a mile after 'Cliffe Woods' turn left into 'Rectory road'

. At the end of Rectory road, turn right into Buckland road, Buckland lake reserve is approx 100 yrds on the left hand side.

Grid reference: TQ726763

Contact numbers: 01959 523523 and 07816437946 and the website is www.bucklandlake.eu  for more information or upcoming events.

These maps are intended as a guideline only; you must check the exact location of the reserve yourself. Wildlife Extra assumes no responsibility for the accuracy or usefulness of the information on this website.