Longfield Chalk Bank
Nestled in Longfield, this small green space holds a precious chalk grassland, making it a distinctive site in our portfolio. The area is neatly divided into two sections: the recreational field, overseen by the parish council, and the woodland, as well as the grassy chalk bank, managed by Dartford Borough Council's dedicated countryside team.
The chalk bank serves as a haven for local wildlife, welcoming birds, bees, butterflies, bats, and a host of other insects. The rich tapestry of grasses and wildflowers not only offers refuge but also serves as a bountiful food source for these inhabitants.
As you ascend the chalk bank pathway, you'll notice the striking "bee bank" on the right, adorned with vibrant orchids that bloom throughout the spring and summer months.
Notably, the chalk bank also plays host to the grey mouse ear plant, a species becoming increasingly scarce in the UK due to habitat loss. This site stands as one of the few locations in Kent where this plant is recorded.
The woodland, in contrast, represents a traditional English Broadleaf woodland. It features several majestic oak trees, with holly, hawthorn, and blackthorn thriving in the understory.
Management of this site, particularly the chalk bank, is a collaborative effort between our dedicated countryside team and the Northwest Kent Countryside Partnership. Their mission is twofold: to combat woodland encroachment on the grassland and, in the future, to thin the woodland's border to create clearings, establishing a more gently undulating transition between the two distinct habitat types