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Welcome to the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Home to some of the most enchanting landscapes of southern Britain

Respect, Protect, Enjoy

Read our tips for staying safe and enjoying nature locally or at home during the current national lockdown

New Ways to EXPERIENCE Kent

New EXPERIENCE Project in the Kent Downs AONB EXPERIENCE is a €23.3 million project co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through Interreg VA France (Channel) England Programme 2014-2020 Interreg VA France (Channel) England Programme 2014-2020. It aims to bring 20m visitors to project partner regions in the UK and France including Kent over […]

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Diversify your Rural Business

A new tourism project to develop a long-lasting experiential off-season visitor economy for Kent.

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The North Downs Way

An inspirational 153 mile journey offering rich heritage, panoramic views and stunning landscapes.

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50 places to visit

50 of our favourite places across the Kent Downs AONB; from chalk cliffs to wonderful woodland, there’s something for everyone.

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Explore Kent Countryside

Enjoy more of the Garden of England with our tips on how to explore Kent’s amazing public rights of way.

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Climate Change and the Kent Downs

How is climate change shaping the Kent Downs and what mitigation and adaptation strategies are being employed?

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The Kent Downs Trust

A new charitable organisation created to support the work of the Kent Downs AONB and its partners.

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Farming in the Kent Downs; opportunities for the future

Sign up to our free local online workshops for Kent Downs farmers with Paul Cobb, Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group.

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UNESCO Sites of the Channel

A new model of sustainable tourism We are thrilled to announce a new project to secure UNESCO designation for the Kent Downs AONB and all the social, economic and environmental benefits this would bring. This exciting new project aims to develop, research, and understand the benefits of UNESCO status for the Kent Downs AONB, including […]

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Our Projects

Find out more about how we help conserve, enhance and manage this special landscape.

Walkers in woodland of Ightham mote

Respect, Protect, Enjoy

Simple steps to help you Respect, Protect and Enjoy the Kent Downs AONB.

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What's Special About the Kent Downs?

Biodiversity-rich habitats, dramatic views, historic and cultural heritage, ancient woodlands and a lot more.

What is an AONB?

An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is a designated exceptional landscape whose distinctive character and natural beauty are precious enough to be safeguarded in the national interest. On par with National Parks, AONBs are protected and enhanced for nature, people, business and culture. No other country in the world has Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty – it is a uniquely British designation that belongs to a worldwide Protected Landscape Family.

The Kent Downs AONB offers dramatic views, vibrant communities, a rich historic and cultural heritage and diverse wildlife and habitats making it a worthy landscape for national protection. It is the eighth largest AONB and, along with the High Weald AONB, covers 33% of Kent’s land area providing a wealth of opportunities for everyone to explore, enjoy and benefit from this outstanding landscape.