Habitats
The Medway Gap has a good range of habitats for a relatively small geographical area. The clays, sands and gravels on top of the Downs are home to large tracts of ancient woodland, while the sides are home to one of Britain’s richest habitats, chalk grassland.
From the foot of the Downs and on to the valley bottom the land is farmed, either as arable or pasture. This agricultural land, with its close relationship to man, provides a habitat for many different species, including a number of rare plants associated with arable farming. The River Medway itself and the marshes that nestle within its bends are also a good home for wildlife all year round.
A number of areas within the Medway Gap are protected as a Special Area for Conservation or Site of Special Scientific Interest.
You can get involved in protecting the special wildlife habitats of the Medway Gap in a variety of ways, such as joining a practical work party or wildlife monitoring.
