The Elham Valley Way leads from the internationally renowned cathedral city of Canterbury, down to the popular coastal town of Hythe, taking walkers through enchanting countryside and the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The ancient woods, classified as dating from before the 17th century, are carpeted with the flowers of bluebells, anemones and wild garlic in spring and turn spectacularly russet, orange and gold in autumn.
Displays of spring blossom are also a feature of the many orchards near Canterbury, although it is said that the fine displays on the newer, shorter varieties of trees are not as dramatic as those found in traditional orchards.
Many of these areas of woodland may also include more recent plantings. In the past, the woods were used in many local industries including building, charcoal production and bark for tanning in the leather industry. Coppicing, the practice of cutting down trees and allowing new stems to form for fencing and posts, is still common throughout the area.
