Monkton Nature Reserve in Ramsgate, Kent, United Kingdom | Nature Reserve

Welcome to the Monkton Nature Reserve, Ramsgate, United Kingdom. Thanet Countryside Trust is the freehold owner and administrator of the Monkton Nature Reserve. The Reserve is situated in an old chalk quarry, last excavated in 1958. It was rescued from becoming a county council rubbish tip in 1985 on the condition that it became a Nature Reserve and study centre. The Trust was particularly anxious to keep one of the last natural assets on Thanet - apart from the cliffs and seashore there are very few areas of natural habitat left on the island
The Trust's aims, as set out by the Charity Commission are: 'The advancement of public education on ecology, natural history and related subjects. The conservation, protection and restoration, for the public benefit, of natural resources, natural beauty, animal and plant life, and lands of ecological importance throughout the Isle of Thanet, or in relation to such areas and/or such resources as the Trustees may from time to time decide. To provide for the benefit of the public facilities of a charitable nature for outdoor recreation in the aforesaid area of benefit.
The Monkton Nature Reserve, Ramsgate, is set in 16 beautiful acres of abandoned chalk quarry, which has been dramatically reclaimed by nature. It features many important habitats, fascinating geology and rare orchids. We also house the Thanet Observatory and the first artificial bat cave built in the United Kingdom. Facilities include a well equipped field centre with a large reference library, bookshop and picnic site.