The Kent Downs National Landscape is one of 46 National Landscapes across England, Wales and Northern Ireland which cover one fifth of the UK. The Downs stretch from the white cliffs of Dover to the Surrey and London border. With ancient bluebell woodlands, rugged chalk coastline, internationally rare chalk grassland, and ragstone villages there is beauty to explore all year round.
It’s also home to an extensive Public Rights of Way network including the North Downs Way National Trail and stretches of the England Coast Path.
The Kent Downs National Landscape is well connected by public transport with around 40 train stations in and around the National Landscape as well as bus, coach and ferry services providing access to and from London, the rest of the UK and mainland Europe. Its extensive and connected road network also provides access to the Kent Downs from the UK and the continent.
It is the eighth largest National Landscape and, along with the High Weald National Landscape, covers 33% of Kent’s land area providing a wealth of opportunities for people to explore, enjoy and benefit from this outstanding landscape.
National Landscapes have similar legal landscape protection status as National Parks.
The Kent Downs Kent Downs National Landscape Unit works with a host of organisations and partners to deliver a variety of projects and schemes across the Kent Downs.
The Unit is employed by Kent County Council and works on behalf of the Kent Downs National Landscape Joint Advisory Committee (JAC) to carry out the preparation and review of the Management Plan, to advocate its policies and work in partnership to deliver a range of actions described in the Action Plan.
