Putting Down Routes – end of project celebration.

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7th October 2026

At the end of September, we brought together Putting Down Routes volunteers, community groups, strategic partners, North Downs Way and Cross-Channel Geopark Ambassadors at Lenham Tithe Barn to celebrate two years of the project and the people behind it. Together, we’ve held 80 events which welcomed 1,732 attendees, recruited and trained 27 new North Downs Way Ambassadors, and supported eight Lived Experience events with 70 attendees.

The project has also made some very tangible improvements on the ground, including 6,944 metres of resurfaced pathway and a new 60-metre accessible pathway at Abbot’s Cliff. Alongside this, 89 ambassadors, local business staff and team members have taken part in equity, diversity and inclusion training, helping build confidence and understanding across the people who welcome and support visitors.

The celebration was a chance to hear directly from the people involved, with an open mic giving ambassadors and partners space to share reflections, stories and learning. There was plenty of time to catch up, exchange ideas and make new connections across the wider ambassador network, alongside conversations about future opportunities and the 50th anniversaries of the Kent Downs National Landscape and North Downs Way in 2028.

Trisha Chauan, from Level Up London –  a group representing women from the global majority – shared as part of the open mic, ‘Many of our members have high levels of stress so I asked myself what we could do to help.  I knew that nature could be the answer and then I found out about Putting Down Routes.  We have done two walks through the project and the women went from being hesitant and nervous to really learning about nature and its positive impact.  They learned about the Kent Downs National Landscape and started to feel a sense of belonging.  Many have returned independently with their friends, families and partners, acting as leaders and introducing their loved ones to the North Downs Way and the benefits of being out in nature.’ , 

Tamara  Campbell trained as  North Downs Way ambassador during the project, and told the room, ‘Training has allowed me to set up Maroon Adventures CIC which helps bring out the community.  I have also been helping out on Putting Down Routes walks such as the Muslim Hikers walk in August.  Putting Down Routes has opened so many doors and really increased my love for Kent and the outdoors in general. ‘

Putting Down Routes has shown what can happen when people bring their knowledge, creativity and lived experience together — from changing what’s possible on the path to creating more welcoming ways for people to experience the Kent Downs.

A huge thank you to everyone who has contributed — we’re excited to carry those connections forward.

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