Caring and sharing the Kent Downs

Kite flying, a mini beast safari, walking through fields of rare orchids, meeting farmers and doing bat surveys were just some of the activities recently enjoyed by hundreds of people visiting and learning more about the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

 

 

Over the last eighteen months, funding secured by the Kent Downs AONB Unit has enabled more areas of chalk grassland and woodland to be well managed and enjoyed. The Kent Downs is designated as a nationally important landscape and covers nearly a quarter of Kent. It is just as important as the nation’s more famous National Parks and offers some of south east England’s most beautiful and, in parts, accessible countryside. The resident population of the Kent Downs is over 66.000 people and a further 800,000 live within 5 miles of the boundary. Beyond this approximately eight million people live within an hour’s drive away, including populations in north east France( via the channel tunnel). For many, the essence of the natural beauty in the Kent Downs landscape is the internationally important unimproved chalk downland, which supports many rare species such as the late spider orchid and the stunning adonis blue butterfly. Looking after this precious landscape is a great challenge due to pressure from new development and changes in agricultural practices. Therefore, working with landowners, farmers and residents to support the work they do in looking after the Kent Downs, is crucial. Grants have been given to farmers and landowners to plant hedgerows, create new ponds and put up new fencing. “The Kent Downs is one of the finest areas of countryside in Europe and people in Kent are really lucky to have such an amazing place to visit on their doorsteps.” says Stella Bandu, Kent Downs Project and Planning Co-ordinator. “The activities and events organised by ourselves, the Kentish Stour and White Cliffs Countryside Projects help to raise awareness of the Kent Downs and the importance of looking after our countryside.” If you want to know more about the Kent Downs please contact the Kent Downs AONB Unit telephone 01303 815170 or check out their web site. www.kentdowns.org.uk

13.10.04

Related Content

Link

• www.kentdowns.org.uk