Kent Downs National Landscape (home to rare species)
The Kent Downs is a National Landscape, comprised of 326 square miles in south east England. It covers almost a quarter of Kent, from the Dover white cliffs to the Surrey London Border.
The area features rare chalk grassland, ancient woodlands, historic villages, and the North Downs Way trail. The highest point at Toys Hill is 250 metres above sea level.
Always follow the Countryside Code to keep all creatures safe. Keep dogs away from steep banks, mushrooms (and toxic plants/trees) and on leads near birds, barnyard friends and wild ponies.
If at the coast, keep away from nesting birds and never walk on sand dunes. Learn how to keep dogs safe by the seaside (check beach bans before travel).
The area is home to many rare species including the protected Roman snail (our largest, living up to 20 years) along with Neolithic monuments, Bronze age barrows, Iron age hill-forts and Roman villa sites.
It’s also covered in woodlands, making it one of our greenest landscapes. And highly accessible without a car, due to around 40 train stations nearby.
Home to 20-year old snails!
The Kent Downs is home to the Roman (also called apple) Snail. This is Britain’s largest, and can live up to 20 years, and is only found anywhere else!
Possibly the inspiration for Mansfield Park
Some believe that the village of Chilham was the inspiration for Jane Austen’s novel Mansfield Park, and she frequently stayed at Godmersham Park within the Kent Downs.
