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, networks of tiny lanes and historic hedgerows, ancient woodlands, traditional orchards, locally distinctive villages, unique and precious wildlife and many sites of historic and cultural interest to explore. All these make up a landscape that is such a valuable national asset that it was nationally designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1968.
The three main purposes of AONB designation are:
- to conserve and enhance natural beauty
- in pursuing this main objective account should be taken of the needs of agriculture, forestry, other rural industries, and of the economic and social needs of local communities
- the demand for recreation should be met in so far as it is consistent with the conservation of natural beauty and the needs of agriculture, forestry and other uses.
Within this area is the Medway Gap, which will have extensive investment in landscape, access, wildlife and heritage over the next three years, thanks to the Valley of Visions Landscape Partnership Scheme. The scheme is funded primarily by the Heritage Lottery Fund and has received £2.5million to invest in the region. To find out more about Valley of Visions and its projects, please visit www.valleyofvisions.org.uk
Outside of the Medway Gap, The Kent Downs runs and funds many project to achieve AONB designation. AONB Projects are driven by the AONB Management Plan Action Plan which sets in place clear policies and actions for the conservation management and enhancement of the AONB for a five year period and sets a longer term vision. The AONB works in partnership with many organisations that work on the ground in the AONB. Our partners deliver projects from hedge planting to creating circular walks to preparing area action plans for key parts of the AONB.
Visit the Kent Downs AONB website for more information or contact us at:
Kent Downs AONB Unit
West Barn, Penstock Hall Farm
Canterbury Road
East Brabourne
Ashford, Kent
TN25 5LL
Tel. 01303 815170
Fax. 01303 815179
or alternatively send us an email.
