Guided walk: Folklore, Wildlife and Medicinal uses of Chalk Downland Plants
Join our ecologist, Mel, as she takes you on a tour of discovery, stopping to take a closer look at the veritable treasure chest of natural medicines surrounding us.
- Booking advisable
We've had requests to repeat this walk at a time when those who normally work during the day can attend. We're therefore holding two repeat evening walks. Many plants have had medicinal uses, probably dating back millennia, but did you know that many of our medicines today have their roots in common plants? Mel Wrigley will take us on a gently paced guided walk. We'll look at the plants growing in the chalk downland and she'll tell us about their folklore, wildlife, their historic medicinal uses, and how they continue to be used today. The walk lasts 90 minutes and does not go near the cliff edge.
Times
Prices
| Ticket type | Ticket category |
|---|---|
| All Admission | £0.00 |
The basics
- Booking details
Call 03442491895
- Suitability
Supervised children and dogs on leads are welcome.
- Meeting point
Meet outside the shop end of the White Cliffs Visitor Centre, at the start time. Postcode CT16 1HJ.
- What to bring and wear
The walk will take you through grassland and we suggest you wear trousers, socks and stout shoes or walking boots. The weather can change quickly on the cliffs, so please dress appropriately.
- Accessibility
We will be keeping to the pathways through the grassland as it is still the bird nesting season. Some of these paths are unsurfaced, and some will be narrow. This walk may not be suited for wheelchair or mobility scooter users.
- Other
The walk is approximately 2 miles long, with plenty of stops, and will take around 1.5 hours. Please use the toilet facilities at the visitor centre as there are none on the walk route. This is a free event with limited spaces; booking is advisable, although we will accept those who turn up on the day, if space is available. Normal parking charges apply - National Trust members can park for free. The walk will not take place if it is raining or very windy. If there is bad weather forecast for the time of the walk, please check our website and Facebook for announcements before travelling.
Upcoming events
World Ranger Day - Be a Ranger for the Morning (for families)
Join a short, free, guided walk with our friendly Ecologist/Ranger, Mel, searching for bugs. Hear how we care for chalk meadow plants and animals, and collect litter as we go.
World Lizard Day - A Family Rrreptile Rrramble
Lizards and slowworms are notoriously elusive, timid creatures, but not if you know where to look! Join our ecologist, Mel, as we go on a quiet walk in search of signs of lizards and slowworms. And you never know - we might find some!
Rock Stars - Geology for Beginners (for families)
Join Geo-ecologist Mel as she takes you on a guided walk and field trip of discovery. Find out what chalk is made of. Where does flint come from, and how does it find its way into chalk? Learn how the Dover Strait was formed and try some experiments.
Moth Survey Nights
Most of us know that bees do the vital work of pollinating flowers during the day, but did you know that moths also pollinate by day and night, depending on the species? Join us to see the beautiful multitude of moths that inhabit the chalk downland.