Public Access to Monkton Nature Reserve (Man Orchid - Aceras anthropophorum)
Supported by Thanet District Council

Opening
The reserve is open from May to September on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday from 11.00 am to 4.00pm (last admission 3.30pm). During the winter months the opening times may vary and it is advisable to telephone before starting out on your journey.

Facilities
Seats are placed at strategic intervals throughout the reserve and a picnic area is provided. Toilets are available in the Field Centre, and there is also a large secondhand bookshop.

Nature Trails
A number of nature trail paths have been laid out around the reserve. An interpretative guide is included as part of the admission price.

Field Centre
There is much of interest to see in the exhibition areas of the Field Study Centre. Displays usually include pond-life aquaria, local archaeology, and the only comprehensive geological collection in this part of Kent.

A large amount of reference material is available for those visitors who wish to delve that little bit further, including an extremely well-stocked natural history reference library.

The centre staff are happy to spend time with visitors answering any questions they may have.

Location
Monkton Nature Reserve is situated on the Isle of Thanet just to the North of the village of Monkton. It is located in a large chalk quarry at the junction of the A299 and the A253. The entrance is 400 metres from the roundabout junction along the A253 in the direction of Canterbury. There is a small Car Park just inside the entrance to the reserve.

***Please remember that cliffs and open water can be dangerous. Keep to the paths.***

Admission Charges
  Adults £2.00
Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult Children £1.00
Senior citizens and those on benefits Concessions £1.50
Normally 2+2 but we are flexible! Under fives free Families £4.50
Join the Trust for free admission to the reserve and discounted use of the observatory Members FREE
For educational visits & guided walks see Services for Schools Schools -

Bus Services
The Eastonways E42 Bus Service stops in Monkton village.

Rail Links
The nearest rail station is Minster, approx. 2.2 miles (3.6km) from the reserve.

Monkton Nature Reserve from the Air
Aerial view of the reserve.

Tel: 01843 822666 | monkton@mnr.manston.net

Thanet Countryside Trust | Registered Charity 285972