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The quality of Kent's countryside has been
recognised as such a valuable national asset that two parts of the
county have been designated as areas of outstanding natural
beauty.
Kent Downs
The Kent Downs are the eastern half of the North Downs covering
nearly a quarter of Kent, stretching from the white cliffs at Dover
up to the Surrey and London borders.
It is a diverse and vibrant landscape with its dramatic chalk
escarpments, secluded dry valleys, ancient woodlands and
traditional orchards which are home to unique and precious
wildlife.
The area has networks of tiny lanes, historic hedgerows, locally
distinctive villages and many sites of historic and cultural
interest to explore.
The geology of the area defines the topography and landscape
features that form the basis of the natural beauty for which it is
nationally recognised.
A large arch of chalk, shaped like an eyelid, sweeps across
Kent. This creates a central ridge through the county, and forms
the most important geological feature of the area of outstanding
natural beauty.
In addition, the highest areas of the Greensand ridge in Kent,
together with a spit of ragstone escarpment above the Romney Marsh,
are also within the Kent Downs.
Celebrating 40 Years as a nationally important landscape
through 40 Special Places to visit.
The national significance of the Kent Downs landscape was formally
recognised in 1968 when the Kent part of the North Downs was
designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). This
designation brought with it protection on a par with that afforded
to National Parks. There is much to celebrate, not just the
beautiful landscape itself but also the work that has gone into
looking after it. Celebrate this and some of the treasures of the
Kent Downs through 40 special places. Discover new corners of the
Kent Downs, find out something you didn't know, enjoy all that this
enchanting landscape has to offer. From the highest point in the
Kent Downs to the brightest, big views to hidden valleys, veteran
trees to rare arable wildflowers, come and explore the Kent
Downs!
To follow the 40 Places promotion and find further inspiration
of special places to explore in the Kent Downs visit the
Kent Downs
website (link opens in a new window) or phone 01303 815170 for
a leaflet.
High Weald
High Weald is an historical countryside of rolling hills draped
by small, irregular fields, abundant woods and hedges, scattered
farmsteads and sunken lanes. It is a unique landscape full of
surprises.
A closer look reveals flower-rich meadows, patches of heathland,
hop gardens, orchards, sandstone outcrops, steep wooded ravines
(called gills) with their secret streams, and 'hammer' ponds;
remnants of the Wealden iron industry.
It comes as no surprise, then, that this intimate, diverse
landscape supports a wide variety of wildlife.
The word 'weald' means wilderness or forest: the High Weald was
once an untamed, wooded area, with patches of wild grassland and
heathland.
By Domesday (1086) the High Weald remained the most densely
wooded area of England and now boasts the highest proportion of
ancient woodland in the country.
The constantly changing height and terrain give an ever-changing
view of this patchwork countryside, created and maintained by
traditional farming.
The picture has remained almost the same through the last five
centuries: the High Weald is, essentially, still a medieval
landscape. This can be said of few other places in the country.
For more information please visit the
High Weald website (link opens in a new
window). |