The park contains the remains of a medieval settlement, including a moated site known as Randall Manor.
It is home to one of the largest populations of the rare Adder in the county.
The woodlands include a notable collection of coppiced hornbeam and sweet chestnut trees.
The site was historically part of the Cobham Hall estate before becoming a country park.
It hosts an annual 'Shorne Woods Country Park 5k' event as part of the parkrun series.
Shorne Woods Country Park is a 292-acre site in Kent designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The landscape comprises ancient woodland, extensive wetlands, and meadows managed to support diverse local biodiversity. It features over 10 kilometers of marked trails suitable for hiking and cycling, with varying accessibility levels. The park includes a modern visitor center containing a cafe and educational displays about the site's ecology. Archaeological excavations at the site have uncovered evidence of human activity dating back to the Mesolithic period. The area serves as a habitat for rare species, including the Great Crested Newt and various heathland insects. Educational programs and self-led discovery trails are available throughout the year. The park is situated on the North Downs, offering varied terrain including steep slopes and flat marshland paths.
The raised wooden boardwalks cutting through the wetlands offer the best vantage points for wildlife and landscape photography.
Download the digital trail map from the Kent County Council website before arriving, as mobile signal is unreliable in deeper woodland areas.
Stick to the marked waymarked trails to protect the fragile SSSI heathland and wetland habitats.
Visit the sensory garden located near the visitor center for a concentrated experience of the local flora.
Do not attempt to traverse the marked wetland paths during heavy rainfall, as they become prone to significant flooding and mud.
Dogs must be kept under close control, especially near the wetland areas; take all litter home.
