Vinters Valley Nature Reserve

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Vinters Valley Nature Reserve

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Local Nature Reserve 90 acre urban nature reserve with lake, stream, woodland & grassland. Ideal for family visits & quiet walks to enjoy nature.

Birds, bats, butterflies, amphibians, reptiles and common mammal species to see. The reserve is managed by a private charity and employes a warden. All other work is carried out by volunteers.

30/10/2026

The Earth tilts and yawns,
Sunlight streams through ancient boughs,
Shadows dance below.

Do visit and find your own moment of magic in Vinters Valley Nature Reserve this autumn.

28/10/2026

We have extended the closing date of our art and photography competitions*. The new closing date is Sunday 28th March 2027.

There's plenty of time to find creative inspiration in nature and wildlife at Vinters Valley, but why not make the most of the better weather at the moment and the glorious autumn colours.

(*All entries already entered will be included)

Looking for something to keep young minds busy this summer? 🌿

We’ve launched two competitions — one photography, one art — and there’s a category made just for under-12s and one for 12–18s (as well as one for adults!). Perfect for a school-holiday project that gets everyone outdoors and looking closely.

The theme is *New Beginnings*, and Vinters Valley is full of them right now — dragonflies at the water’s edge, fledglings finding their wings, wildflowers everywhere you look. All they need is a phone, a camera, or a sketchbook.

📸 Photos taken in the reserve · 🎨 Art inspired by it (any medium, up to A3)
Create by 23rd August, enter by 29th August.

📩[email protected] / [email protected]
Full details and terms at www.vintersvalley.co.uk 🏆

21/10/2026

Autumn / Winter Storms Advice

As autumn progresses the chance of stormy weather increases, leading to stronger winds and wetter ground conditions. This can cause added stress to our wonderful trees and weaken branches, or in rare cases snap main trunks.

I carry out regular tree inspections looking for signs of damage or stress, but with thousands of trees in the nature reserve I can’t check every tree and often tree damage is not visible from the ground.

In late August I identified 18 trees that needed felling, for safety reasons. The work was completed on 9th October, ahead of the main storm season.

If you see trees with signs of damage which are near footpaths, roads, or neighbouring properties, feel free to send me a photo and a what3words location and I will investigate further.

Lastly, if the Met Office issues a weather warning in the Maidstone area, relating to damaging winds please heed their advice regarding the increased risk of falling branches / trees and consider your safety before deciding whether you wish to enter the nature reserve whilst the weather warning is in place. Better safe than sorry and consider walking your canine companion in an area with less trees.

Be sensible & stay safe.

Steve Songhurst, Warden (Mobile / Whats app number 0780 123 1674)

(PS The what3words app divides the world into 3x3 meter squares and gives each a unique three-word address (such as ///clip.apples.leap). Free on iOS and Android, it helps users find, share, save, and navigate to exact locations offline or online and is widely used by all the emergency services. Please ensure you have the what3words app on your phone).

19/10/2026

Autumnal sunbeams pierce through the tree canopy, casting dramatic ribbons of light that illuminate the crisp morning air.

The magic of nature can be found all around us, within a short walk of your home #

16/10/2026

Mary Davis: "A walk in nature, walks the soul back home."

Vinters Valley Nature Reserve has many wonderful paths to wander along slowly, admiring nature's ever changing pallette. I hope you find a moment of peace and wonder if you visit the reserve this weekend.

Steve Songhurst, Warden

13/10/2026

Autumn is a fantastic time of year to notice the changing colours in nature. 🍂

While many of the trees and bushes at the reserve are still cloaked in green, others are changing, offering a rich palette of red, brown, yellow, and orange hues. Look closely and you’ll also find bright splashes created by autumn berries, rose hips, and haws.

What colours are you spotting on your walks this week? 📸

06/10/2026

Finding a moment of joy, as summer's hold lessens...

Through the tangled, ancient boughs,
The secret forest breathes and bows.
A hidden path of moss and stone,
Where silent, gentle winds are blown.

Stand still and watch the magic gleam,
Within this bright, enchanted dream.
For if you listen close and well,
You'll hear the stories trees can tell.

There are always quiet areas in the reserve, where you can relax and let nature seep into your soul.

What was your favourite quiet spot in the reserve this summer?

04/10/2026

Do join us for our annual appraisal of the community group charity - Vinters Valley Park Trust CIO - which looks after the Vinters Valley Nature Reserve, on behalf of your local community.

Hear about how Nature is prospering in the reserve and how you help to keep this green oasis thriving.

We would love to hear your views, ideas and favourite moments in the reserve over the last 12 months.

See you at the community centre on 12th October at 7pm 😀

02/10/2026

A lovely new addition to the reserve! 🌿

Regular visitor Andrew (and dog Annie 🐾) recently discovered this peaceful, tucked-away spot in the reserve. It's now home to a new wooden bench, making it the perfect quiet nook to take a break, sit and relax while watching local birds make good use of the nearby bird box.

Next time you’re out, keep an eye out for this new resting spot!

28/09/2026

Anyone lost a house/ garage key? Near the Lodge Road entrance.

Address

Vinters Lodge, Lodge Road
Maidstone
ME145EH

Website

http://www.vintersvalley.co.uk/, https://vinters-valley-nature-reserve.sumupstore.com/products

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