Kent’s Heritage Coast - Lonely Planet's Best Region to Visit in 2022
Kent Downs have announced the launch of the #BeMoreOutdoor photography contest in celebration of the recent announcement that Kent’s Heritage Coast has been recognised as one of the world’s best regions to visit in 2022 as part of Lonely Planet’s ‘Best in Travel’ round-up.
The competition aims to find the best photographs of the Kent Downs from visitors to the area and locals. This year’s top winner stands to win a 2 night stay & choice of experiences for up to 4 people (family of four) at the Chilton Magic Garden. EXPERIENCE CHILTON is all about reconnecting with nature, reconnecting with ourselves and others and feeling a sense of connection to the ancient land and the ancestors who lived here.
Come and immerse yourself in traditional skills of the ancient ancestors. Try your hand at archery, bushcraft of campfire lighting and cooking, simple wood craft and weaving.
For the more adventurous try wild sea swimming or field biking.
Stay for 2 nights in the rustic flint ‘Chilton Gallery’ and sip on a homemade Chilton cocktail!
The competition is open to anyone with a camera or smartphone and it is not just for professional photographers. The competition is designed to encourage visitors to the Kent Downs AONB to capture the beauty of the landscape and to enjoy more activities outdoors with friends and family.
The photographs will be judged in two categories: Photos submitted from participants aged 16+ and those aged 6-15.
There will be prizes for the winners in each category and a grand prize winner. Prizes include a range of Kent based experiences such as a one-to-one mindfulness life coaching session, outdoor cookery, a landscape photography workshop, a family survival adventure and much much more.
There will also be sweepstake prizes of Canterbury Quiz Trail experiences up for grabs to all participants and another overnight stay at Beachborough Park.
Visit our page for more information on how to enter and prizes: https://kentdowns.org.uk/bemoreoutdoorandwin/
Nick Johannsen FLI, Director of the Kent Downs AONB Unit said: “We are absolutely delighted that Kent’s Heritage Coast has been recognised globally and are honoured that this part of Kent is flying the flag for sustainable tourism in the UK. This is a real testament to the beauty of our landscape and a reminder of how important it is to tread lightly as we enjoy the countryside and coastline.”
The publisher also highlighted Kent’s involvement in two Interreg funded projects; the EXPERIENCE project, which supports local tourism and hospitality businesses in developing new, low-environmental impact, year-round tourism experiences including accessibility improvements in the Kent countryside.
With this in mind, we put together a list of 5 of our experiences to get you started today:
1. Exploring the Wild’s
Join Exploring the Wild's experienced wildlife tour leader on an organised group, or private tour, and make your holiday a little wilder as you and your family learn to identify birds, wildflowers, trees, track mammals and more.
2. Rebel Farmer
Rebel Farmer are passionate about education and the need for local, seasonal, ethically grown food. They want to build on their sustainable farming, education and Tipi business and offer guests the chance to learn about seed sowing or veg harvest, plant and wildlife identification so they leave inspired to grow better.
3. Creative Pilgrims
Creative Pilgrims are a group of artists who meet to walk and reflect on the history and landscape through art projects, talks, exhibitions and workshops. They want to lead a selection of 2-3 mile guided walks that help participants to engage with the history and natural landscape of the area, to slow down and to find the spaces within using mark making and journaling to provide a personal response.
4. Shorne Woods Country Park
An eco-friendly visitor centre and cafe, with fishing lakes, trim trail and picnic and play areas set in 292 acres of beautiful woodlands, wetlands and meadows. They are looking to develop experiences to involve their team of rangers, education rangers and archaeological teams who have a wealth of knowledge that they would love to share with families of all shapes and sizes.
5. Natural Pathways
Immerse yourself in the culture, myth and folklore of the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty as you become a woodsman for a day. Discover the influence of the Great Oak trees as you practise traditional woodworking skills, enjoy a guided walk of the ancient woods, and even forage a meal to cook later on the campfire!
Subscribe on our website to be the first to find out about these and more upcoming experiences: www.kentdowns.org.uk
Entries to the #BeMoreOutdoor Photography competition closes on 12 December 2021.
Kent’s Heritage Coast, part of the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), was praised for its commitment to sustainable tourism initiatives, combined with the regeneration of the historic town of Dover, Creative Folkestone, and plans to establish a UNESCO Global Geopark recognised within the region’s entry.
The Kent Downs AONB is one of a family of 46 AONBs across England, Wales and Northern Ireland which cover one fifth of the UK. 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. 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 people to explore, enjoy and benefit from this outstanding landscape.