Areas of lowland heathland are of great importance. Each small area of heath in the Weald acts as a ‘stepping stone' enabling flora and fauna to migrate across the area. The heath needs to be managed in order to prevent colonisation by birch and bracken and to maintain the heather (ling) by cutting it to encourage re-growth. In the summer months Cinderhill is host to a flock of hebridean sheep that graze on the bramble and birch saplings.

In the northwestern corner of the heath, the ground is significantly wetter giving rise to small areas of sphagnum mire, a moss bog. Mires such as this are particularly rare in Kent, as the relatively low rainfall often leads to their drying out.

The stream-side woodland mainly consists of mixed coppiced trees, including ash, alder and hazel. Apart from the small-scale change that coppicing brings, the area has remained relatively undisturbed for centuries, and therefore the species found here may have been present for hundreds of years. Coppicing encourages a wide variety of ground flora, as it floods the ground with light every 15- 20 years, giving rise to magnificent displays of primroses in the spring months, as well as several orchid species and the scarce lesser skullcap.

The Sweet Chestnut Coppice at Cinderhill is being brought back into management so that the wood can be harvested in a sustainable way for fencing materials, garden furniture and firewood. The KHWP is working with the Kent Wildlife Trust to maximise the potential of this woodland management method for wildlife, by simultaneously cutting areas on both reserves.

A total of 60 bird species can be seen at Cinderhill, including the Turtle Dove which possesses its own Biodiveristy Action Plan. The green woodpecker can be seen searching for insects, and Kestrels can be seen hovering over their prey. Willow tits dart in and out of the streamside woodland as they build their nests in the snags of deadwood. Many reptiles also make a home at Cinderhill, including slow worm, common lizard, and the adder.