A Kent nature reserve of national importance is to be protected for future generations after a trust snapped it up when it came on the open market.

Now the Kent Wildlife Trust needs help towards the £225,000 purchase price of Burham and Wouldham Down.

The land is made up of rare chalk grassland, which the charity has managed and restored since 1968.

The down holds a key position in the Medway Gap, boasting 101 hectares of woodland, scrub and unimproved grassland habitats that are of national importance.

As such, it is given legal protection as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI); Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB); and a Regionally Important Geological Site (RIGS).

The reserve’s patchwork of habitats supports nationally rare and scarce species including dormouse, hobby, nightingale, lady orchid, and silver-spotted skipper and Adonis blue butterflies.

The Trust’s Chief Executive, John Bennett, said: “We are delighted, as well as relieved, to permanently secure the future of this wildlife-rich reserve, thanks to the generosity of our supporters.

"However, we would welcome further contributions towards this significant investment."

Donations to the appeal can be made securely online at the trust's Burham and Wouldham Down page or by calling 01622 662012.