Reculver Country Park & Reculver Towers

About

Reculver Country Park is a unique place, combining undeveloped coast, historic buildings and wildlife interest. The refurbished Reculver Visitor Centre for Renewable Energy and Interpretation opened in 2009. Reculver Country Park is internationally important for wildlife as a Special Protection Area (SPA) and Special Site of Scientific Interest (SSSI) because it is used each winter by thousands of migratory birds. Without this site to rest in, these species would decline.

The Reculver Towers are a landmark and Scheduled Ancient Monument that can be seen across the coastline from Herne Bay to Birchington in Kent. It is estimated that over 100,000 people visit the park every year, and Kent Wildlife Trust runs organised school trips for up to 3,500 students each year. The park is managed in partnership by the City Council, English Heritage and Kent Wildlife Trust. The Council is proud to have gained a Green Flag Award since 2002, which recognises high standards in public open spaces. Reculver Country Park offers lovely walks from Bishopstone to the ruins of a late Norman Church. There is also an Information Centre which offers a fascinating insight into the history and wildlife of this stretch of coastline. The Park is a renowned spot for watching migrating birds.

The Country Park is ideal for educational visits, from infants to University, with beach studies a speciality. Bookings can be made throughout the year by contacting Kent Wildlife Trust on (01622) 662 012. Reculver Centre has a focus on renewable energy and includes a log burner, which will be fuelled with logs from The Blean woodland throughout the winter months. The centre is also powered with photo voltaic panels (which convert sunlight to electricity) and solar panels (which use sunlight to heat water). The extension space has three large windows which frame views to Reculver Towers, cliff top grassland, and the wind turbines of the Kentish Flats wind farm, located 8.5km due north to the Reculver Centre. The centre is clad in sustainably sourced local chestnut, and features two large skylights which maximise natural light levels inside the building. There site also offers various cycle routes including the new Oyster Bay Trail to Herne Bay.

Reculver Country Park can only accept coaches during the week by prior arrangement as space is limited. Coaches are not permitted at weekends.
Paths are largely suitable for electric scooters. (Information courtesy of the Kent County Council website)