Betteshanger Country park was once the spoil tip from Betteshanger Colliery, one of the largest collieries in Kent. The Colliery closed in 1989 and the site was transformed into the Country Park which opened in 2007.
The park consists of a variety of habitats including mixed plantation, woodland, scrub, grassland, meadows, lichen heath and open water. The park is situated in a shallow partially wooded valley within the open rolling arable slopes of the North Downs.
Betteshanger park is located less than a mile away from Sandwich Bay, a site with international recognition for its habitats and species, a RAMSAR site since 1991 and an SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) since 1951.
The park is not far from Ham Fen the last remaining Valley Fen habitat in Kent which is managed by Kent Wildlife Trust who have successfully reintroduced European Beaver (Castor Fiber) to the site.
Species at Betteshanger
Mammals – Badger, Fox, Rabbit, Stoat, Weasel, Squirrel, Wood Mouse, Field Vole, Hedgehogs and species of Bats. On the odd occasion we are visited by Deer that pass through the area.
Birds – Green Woodpecker, Pheasant, Grey Partridge, Turtle Dove, Song Thrush, Wax Wing, Kestrel, Buzzard, Kingfisher, Yellow Hammer, Tawny Owl, Barn Owl, Cuckoo and Long Tailed Tit, Pied Wagtail.
Reptiles – Common Lizard, Slow Worm, Grass Snake.
Amphibians – Smooth Newt, Common Frog, Common toad.
Invertebrates – Devils Coach Horse Beetle, Shield bugs.
Butterflies – Peacock, Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell, Orange- Tip, Small Skipper.
Moths – Poplar Hawk moth.
Dragonflies and Damselflies – Emperor Dragonflies.
Trees – Hawthorn, Silver Birch, Holm Oak, English Oak, Aspen, Poplar, Alder, Willow, Black Thorn, Cherry, Dog Wood, Elder, Horse Chestnut, Turkey Oak, Black Pine, Scots Pine, Spindle.
Plants and Shrubs – Fox Glove, Willow Herb, Buddleia, Cow Parsley, Teasel, Field Scabious, Honeysuckle, Wild Daffodil, Ox-eye daisy, Common Yarrow, Broom, Crocus, Bramble, Wild Strawberry, Broom Rape, Sea Buckthorn, Heather.
Orchids – Lizard Orchid, Pyramidal, Bee Orchid, Southern Marsh.
Lichens and Mosses – Reindeer Lichen, Ramalina Farinacea, Yellow Scale.
Fungi – Common birds nest fungus, Candlesnuff fungus, Common Earth Ball, Common Inkcap, Fly Agaric, Jelly Ear, King Alfred’s Cakes.
Species Spotted
If you have spotted any new wildlife please email us your sightings, if you have any photos we would love to see them. Email us at info@betteshangercountryparks.co.uk . We would love to share your sightings and photos with other visitors. One of our resident Badgers caught in action on one of our camera traps by Ruth Barker.
