[1] It is part of the Wouldham to Detling Escarpment Site of Special Scientific Interest[2] and Nature Conservation Review site, Grade I,[3] the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty,[4] and the North Downs Woodlands Special Area of Conservation.

[5] Burham Down lies west of the A229 (Maidstone to Chatham Road) adjoining the KCC picnic site (TQ735624 O.S.

The south-eastern section (excluding the chalk pits) is dominated by woodland and scrub, with two areas totalling approximately 5 hectares, which are managed by grazing using the Trust's own herd of Exmoor ponies.

The northern section, which includes Wouldham Common, is also predominantly woodland with some recently cleared areas, now under grazing management.

Woodland and scrub areas have a wide variety of tree and shrub species typical of the chalk soil.