The Kentish Stour Countryside Project works to enhance and promote the Stour Valley in east Kent. About a third of the Project area is situated in the Kent Downs in the districts of Ashford and Canterbury. Advice to landowners, farmers, community groups and businesses is provided on downland and woodland management along with all the other habitats and landscapes in the area. The Project has been particularly successful in delivering Countryside Stewardship schemes for farmers and landowners. It can also offer grants for conservation works through its own small scheme supported by the Countryside Agency and the Kent Downs AONB Unit.

The Project provides interpretation and encourages visitors to enjoy the special wildlife and landscapes of the area. 'Train Rides to Ramble' and 'Bike Trails by Rail' are walking and cycling publications recently published by the Project that cover the Kent Downs AONB. The Stour Valley Walk and Elham Valley Way recreational walking routes are partnership schemes that the Project helped to develop by waymarking and producing guidebooks. It was instrumental in establishing the Stour Valley Art Trust based at King's Wood, Challock, near Ashford and it continues to work with the Trust and artists in other parts of the Project area.

Practical conservation projects for volunteers run every Wednesday and Thursday and alternate Sundays, many of which take place in the Kent Downs AONB. If you would like more information about our volunteer conservation programme, occasional guided walks, or other events please contact us at the address opposite.