Next Event: Open Day – Saturday 13th June 2026
Photographic & Art Competitions
We are holding an open day as part of Maidstone’s BIG DAY OUT on Saturday 13th June 2026, At our open day, we are launching two exciting competitions and welcome everyone to get creative and enter!
Please click on one of the logos below to find out more….
AGM
Please click here to download the AGM agenda
Please click here to book places via our online shop
Gosling Death
It is with great sadness that I have to inform you that one of the goslings has lost its life, with all the signs that this was the result of an attack by a dog.
In a nature reserve this is completely unacceptable and preventable.
A few days ago, I posted notices all around the lake area (& on social media) asking all dog owners to please pop their dogs on a lead for a short 100 metre stretch of the footpath network in the nature reserve, to help save the lives of the innocent goslings, just out of the safety of their nests and embarking on life’s journey.
Please, I need the support of all dog walkers in the nature reserve to help ensure this happens.
In Vinters Valley Nature Reserve, a dog’s (and their owners) enjoyment of the nature reserve does not come at the cost of the lives of the goslings and their parents.
Four years ago, we encouraged everyone to stop feeding the geese bread, as it causes deformity of the young gosling’s wings. It is wonderful to see how everyone has taken this message to heart and now feeds the geese with the abundant goose grass to be found in the reserve.
Please, in the same manner, we now need all dog owner’s help to ensure that this is the last dog related death of the goslings and ducklings born in the nature reserve.
Please spread the word: That all dogs must be fully under control and on a lead, for the very short distance around the lake, during the waterfowl breeding season – early May to the end of August.
A ‘thank you’ to supporters Andrew & Lynn for alerting me to the death of the gosling and volunteers Jackie & Sue for taking care of the little one’s body with love and kindness.
Thank you
Steve Songhurst, Warden
First time visiting the reserve?
Our thanks to Craig McTeer, one of our supporters, who has used his own 360 camera and mapped 99% of the footpaths in the reserve.
You can view this using Google Maps, by clicking here
When the map opens, click and holding on the yellow man icon, and then drop the icon onto the map.
Please click here to view and download a map of the reserve
Please click here to view the What3Words for our Lodge Road entrance
“Maidstone’s Hidden Gem”
Vinters Valley Nature Reserve is a local wildlife oasis tucked away between the Vinters Park and Grove Green housing estates.
Explore our website by using the menu options above
We Need YOUR Support!
Vinters Valley Nature Reserve is NOT run by any council, but by a group of dedicated local volunteers, who have formed a registered charity called the “Vinters Valley Park Trust”.
To keep the nature reserve open, as a space for the whole community to enjoy we need your money and support.
You can financially support the nature reserve in a number of ways.
Please click here to find out how you can support us
NEXT EVENTs AT VINTERS VALLEY
Saturday 13th June 2026 – Open Day