Hangrove Bank, near Downe

Saturday 6th June, 10.30am Hangrove Bank, near Downe, one of Darwin's research sites for Hymenoptera and general recording.

This site is probably the inspiration for the ‘entangled bank’ described by Darwin in his 'On the Origin of Species': It is interesting to contemplate an entangled bank clothed with many plants of many kinds with birds singing on the bushes, with various insects flitting about and with worms crawling through the damp earth and to reflect that these elaborately constructed forms so different from each other and dependent on each other and so complex a manner have all been produced by laws acting around us.

Meet at the Cuckoo Wood car park for High Elms Country Park (ie not the main car park) 500m south of the main car park in High Elms Road at TQ439624 (what3words settle.lift.desk).  There is then a c. 500m walk to the site itself.

This chalk grassland site has no public access and visitors are limited so booking is required (). 

Leader: Grant Hazlehurst.

Event Properties

Event Date 06-06-2026
Price Free

Our Programme
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Come along!

Kent Field Club field visits and indoor winter meetings are free to members (except the annual Wildlife Conference). 

Anyone thinking of joining the Club is welcome to attend a field meeting, no prior notice is necessary.

All field meetings start at 10.30am unless otherwise indicated.

What to bring and how to stay safe.

Field Meetings information

Beginners to a particular field of study are very welcome at all meetings. Also anyone thinking of joining the Club is welcome to attend a field meeting, no prior notice is necessary. Kent Field Club field visits and indoor winter meetings are free to members (except the annual Wildlife Conference)

Please bring a packed lunch to all full day meetings. All field meetings start at 10.30am unless otherwise indicated.

Stay safe on field meetings:

  • Dress appropriately for the weather. Stay warm and dry in Winter, cool in Summer.
  • Wear strong, waterproof boots with good ankle support and well-treaded soles.
  • Carry, and use, a high SPF sun cream in bright weather.
  • Ensure your tetanus inoculations are up-to-date.
  • In Summer, carry plentiful supplies of water and drink frequently.
  • See our additional advice on staying safe in the field.

Members are reminded that all who attend meetings of the Club do so at their own risk.

See our Risk Assessment for Field Meetings