Kites Hill Reserve, United Kingdom
Kites Hill, originally used as farmland, was donated to the World Land Trust by its owner as a ‘Living Legacy’ in order to ensure its protection forever, for the benefit of wildlife. Find out how the WLT continues to improve the site for wildife...
Project aim
It is the intention of the WLT to create a haven for wildlife, and to encourage its return by recreating natural habitats, at Kites Hill. It is hoped that by providing information material, and creating a nature trail, Kites Hill will become a good example of "nature's classroom" which can be used as an education facility and demonstration project on the benefits of habitat management for conservation.
How WLT is helping
The ancient Beech woodland at Kites Hill has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) by Natural England. WLT’s work involves maintaining the woodland's health and structure and extending the woodland in two areas by planting native trees. Organic status of the pasture fields is also maintained.
WLT encourages the rehabilitation of butterflies, bats, owls and other species lost to the area, by providing suitable breeding and feeding sites throughout the reserve, including a wildlife pond, which was created in 2009. New interpretation panels along the Nature Trail will also provide a valuable resource for learning about conservation management.
Urgent funding needed
Although the WLT does not require funds for land purchase in the UK, funds are needed for the continued management and improvement of the site for wildlife. If you would like to make a donation to Kites Hill:
- Donate to the WLT Action Fund »
- Specify "Kites Hill" in the comments box to earmark your donation for Kites Hill.
- If you would like to donate or bequeath land for conservation, please contact the CEO of the World Land Trust
Biodiversity
Kites Hill is home to a variety of Britain's most loved species.
Birds:
Marsh tit (Parus palustris), Song Thrush (Turdus philomelos) and Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) all RED listed by the RSPB, indicating their conservation importance. Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus), Stock dove (Columba oenas) and Wood Warbler (Phylloscopus sibilatrix) all listed as Amber.
Mammals:
Wood mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus), bank vole (Clethrionomys glareolus), Serotine bat (Eptesicus serotinus), Common Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pipistrellus) and Soprano Pipistrelle bat (Pipistrellus pygmaeus) and badger (Meles meles).
Plants:
Over 100 Species including; Beech (Fagus sylvatica), Hazel (Corylus avellana), Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), Common spotted orchid (Dactylorhiza fuchsii), Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scriptus), Oak (Quercu robur) and Pyramidal orchid (Anacamptis pyramidalis).
The reserve
Kites Hill
Total area saved by WLT: 40 acres (16ha)
Covering 40 acres (16 ha) of beautiful Cotswold countryside (designated an "Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty"), the reserve combines both grassland meadow and native woodland. To the north of the reserve is a stand of beech woodland, which connects to an adjacent reserve owned and managed by the National Trust. This beech woodland has been designated as a "Site of Special Scientific Interest" (SSSI) and was also included on Natural England's "Natura 2000" site list, as part of a "network of the most important nature conservation sites in Europe".
Kites Hill News
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Sir David Attenborough, WLT Patron
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