Heathlands and Happy Hedgehogs | The Heart of Kent Walking Festival 2026

About

I invite you to join me on “Heathlands and Happy Hedgehogs”, a leisurely wellbeing amble on and around the  mindful and picturesque Hothfield Heathlands Nature Reserve, an area rich in flora and fauna, containing the last 4 of Kent’s valley bogs and one of its few remaining fragments of open heath.

 

Although not guaranteed, it is often frequented by gentil highland cows, dancing deers, snorting pigs and wild ponies, and hopefully we will be serenaded by a chorus of songbirds and receive visits from inquisitive early butterflies, bees and other insects, especially on the boardwalk.

 

This is a leisurely walk / amble for those who enjoy walking while connecting with nature, which will include some optional mindful stops, storytelling (including about hedgehogs) and learning about the rare environment of this beautiful oasis.

 

But it doesn’t stop there, we’ll be taking a 45 minute refreshment and amenities break at The Lake House, Kent Holistic Venue where there are a range of delicious lunches, snacks, pastries and cakes to tempt the palette, plus a small shop full of wellness related gifts to peruse and purchase at your leisure if anything catches your eye.

 

No purchases at this venue are required, there is a very pretty garden with lake to sit by if you just want to rest and have a chat.

More details about The Lake House can be found here. www.lakehousekent.co.uk

 

The main reason for this event is to raise awareness and funds for the work of the amazing Thorne Hedgehog Rescue based in Pluckley.

www.thornehedgehogrescue.org

 

We are suggesting a minimum donation of £5 per person be made for this walk, although if you unable to donate this amount, please just donate what you can.

 

You’d be most welcome to bring along any fluffy hedgehogs or other woodland animals you may have, for a little story telling session that will happen as part of our time together.

 

Any further questions, please contact me via the contact form on my website www.walkwild.net

 

I look forward to walking with you.

 

Walk Q and A's 

What age range is the walk suitable for? All ages welcome. All children under 18 to be accompanied by an adult.

Stiles on route? Yes

Dogs (accept assistance dogs) on leads welcome, however they are not allowed into internal buildings at the Lake House.

Suitable for pushchairs - Small folding and portable buggies could be used on some parts, but would need to be carried over stiles, through gates and other unsuitable places

Suitable for mobility scooters - No

Refreshments available – Yes at Lake House

Toilets along route – Yes at Lake House

Take a packed lunch - Optional

Linear walk - No

Circular walk - Yes

Family friendly - Yes

Takes in scenery - Yes

Takes in woodland - Yes

There are stiles on the route – Yes

There are steps on route - No

Photography: Photographs will be taken and may be used within a follow up report or future marketing. If you do not want to be part of these please state this before the walk departs.

Medication: Please let a leader know if you need to take any medications during the walk. There will be regular stops but if you require to take these at a particular time we can make a stop to do so.

Religious Breaks: If you need to stop for a prayer or other religious practice break, please let a leader know and we will respect your needs for these.

Baby Feeding breaks: We intend to arrive at the Lakehouse Venue at around 12 noon should you need a break for this.