The Devil’s Kneading Trough, Wye: Fantastic views and walks Nick Johannsen, director of the Kent
Downs AONB unit, said: “In the 50 years since the Kent Downs was designated, there has been massive changes in Kent and amid this, the beauty of Te Kent Downs remains constant and ever more important. 2018 is a year to enjoy and celebrate the beautiful landscapes of the Kent Downs.” The 153-mile long North Downs Way,
passing through the spectacular Surrey Hills and Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is looked after by National Trails officer Pete Morris. He says the next few years will offer even more to celebrate with major improvements to the route, including the iconic Folkestone Downs section and work with Cycle UK to produce alternative bike routes. Together, organisations including Kent Wildlife Trust, Woodland Trust, the National Trust, Plantlife, Buterfly Conservation and land owners work together to manage this interwoven and impressive eco-system known as the Kent Downs Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty for Kent County Council. Here are some dates for your diary to get you
out and enjoying some of our most picturesque locations: (sturdy footwear advised)
Sunday, November 4 A TOMB WITH A VIEW Pinesfield Lane, Trotiscliffe, West Malling 11am - 1pm | FREE
A 2.5-mile guided walk, with stunning views of the ancient and mystical Coldrum long barrow. Learn about its history and why it is on the Kent Downs.
Leader: Mark Pritchard, Medway Valley Countryside Partnership To book: Call 01303815170
Saturday, November 17
THE SMUGGLERS OF HOUGHAM Elms Vale Recreation car park, Elms Vale Road, Dover 1pm start | FREE
Learn about local smugglers on this five-mile guided walk in Hougham valley, with hills, downland views, ancient woodland and a historic sunken lane. Farm café break.
Leader: Melanie Wrigley, White Cliffs Mid Kent Living 23
Countryside Partnership No booking required Call: 01304 241806 or 07880 706 990
Sunday, December 9 IT’S A PLANT’S LIFE
Ranscombe Farm Reserve car park, Sundridge Hill, Cuxton
A circular three-mile guided walk, taking in spectacular views over the surrounding North Downs and Medway Towns. Event leader: Richard Moyse, Plantlife No booking required. Call 01634 245413.
• No other country has Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty – it is a uniquely British designation
• Tere are 46 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the UK
• AONBs cover about 18% of the UK countryside
• 66% of people live within 30 minutes of an AONB
• Just over 20% of the English coast is AONB
• Over 19,000km of footpaths and bridleways pass through AONBs including 10 National Trails
Farthing Common
“AONBs, along with national parks, have been selected to ‘conserve and enhance’ the natural beauty of the landscape… it is the landscape that must come first” Nick Johannsen, AONB
K
ing’s Wood, Wye: Features
a 3.5-mile sculpture trail. Car park off the A251 C h e v e n i n g
viewpoint, near Sundridge. Limited parking outside St Botolph’s Church Folkestone Cliffs: Offers a walk
along the North Downs Way to Dover Queendown Warren, Hartlip: An
internationally-important downland that’s home to grassland orchids
Pictures courtesy of Explore Kent
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