We’re lucky to have the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on our doorsteps and in these golden days of autumn sun and rich harvest there’s no better time to get out and explore.

To encourage the public to do just that the Kent Downs AONB is celebrating Outstanding Week which kicks off on Saturday, September 17.

From trails and walks to activities and nature exploration, there’s plenty to discover.

Director Nick Johannsen said: “Outstanding Week is a great way to showcase the kind of activities that we and many partner organisations provide all year.

“We hope many people will take the opportunity to visit, be inspired and return – after all the Kent Downs cover nearly a quarter of the county so there is much to choose from the wild, white cliffs to the tranquil villages and valleys, beautiful flower filled meadows and ancient woodlands.”

BE INSPIRED

Explore Kent and the Kent Downs AONB have put together events to inspire you to get out and enjoy our countryside. Events include:

iPhone Workshop

On Saturday, September 17, between 10.30am and 12.30pm at Bough Green Visitor Centre, photographer Sarah Medway will be showing how to use your iPhone to capture the moment and how to edit your images the way you want them. Come armed with an iPhone 5 or higher and the headphones which came with it. To book tickets call 01622 622012, email info@kentwildlife.org.uk or visit kentwildlifetrust.org.uk

Wildlife of the Walls

On Saturday, September 17, learn about the wildlife of the Western Heights with the White Cliffs Countryside Partnership from 10am and complete a quiz sheet to win a prize. Head to Drop Redoubt Road in Dover.

Tremendous Trees Guided Walk

On Sunday, September 18, take a guided walk exploring one of Kent’s fantastic forests and its wildlife, between Ashford, Canterbury and Faversham, meeting at the War Memorial Triangle in Molash at 10am. For details go to friendsofkingswood.org or email enquiries@friendsofkingswood.org

Like the outdoors? Here's our guide to Kent country parks

DETAILS

Outstanding Week runs from Saturday, September 17, to Sunday, September 25 and is a festival of Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty nationally and in Kent celebrates the Kent Downs AONB.

For more details visit kentdowns.org.uk or look on social media with #OutstandingWeek.
Events for AONBs nationally can be found at landscapesforlifeevents.org.uk