Head for the Hills and Celebrate! Downs Anniversary Events 2018 Welcome to Head for the Hills the Anniversary Year of events

2018 marks the 50th guided walks and discovery to Content anniversary of the designation theatrical performances and Head for the Hills supporters 6 of the Kent Downs as an medieval feasts so there should Charabanc’s grand tour 8 Area of Outstanding Natural be something for everyone. 40th Anniversary Guided Walks 10 Beauty (AONB) and the 40th Theatre in the Hills 11 Read on to find out what is anniversary of opening the Wonderful world of swifts 12 going on throughout the year Way National Events including specific events and Trail. The rolling chalk hills and March 14 activities suitable for all of the deep valleys that characterise April 15 family. the Kentish Countryside May 16 June 19 provide miles and miles of free Head for the Hills, celebrating July 21 open spaces for exploring. the Kent Downs Area of August 24 The is a Outstanding Natural Beauty is September 27 designated National Trail that supported by National Lottery Wye Pilgrims Festival 2018 32 runs along the chalk ridge of players through the Heritage October 35 the Kent Downs, providing over Lottery Fund. November 36 100 miles of walking trails and December 38 KENT DOWNS AONB wonderful panoramic scenery. 25 Years of Green Gang! 40 [email protected] A Pledge for the Hills 41 Head for the Hills is a year of 01303 815170 Royal Geographical Society view points 42 activities and events for all @kentDowns AONB With thanks 43 the family to celebrate the @KentDownsAONB beauty and unique qualities of the AONB Landscape. We #Head4TheHills have events ranging from www.kentdowns.org.uk

Cover artwork designed and produced by Hugh Ribbands DARTFORD

GRAVESEND SHEERNESS A2 MARGATE

ROCHESTER Cobham WHITSTABLE

7 2 CHATHAM A255 A2

Eynsford FAVERSHAM

5 Shoreham A249 SITTINGBOURNE 2 M A2 M 2 Wrotham Doddington CANTERBURY West Malling Chartham Westerham Chilham Ightham A251 Bridge M 20 A26 A252 DEAL A28 Barham TONBRIDGE A21

SURREY A2 Wye Elham St. Margaret’s A 260 at Cliffe KENT ASHFORD A20 Lyminge A28 DOVER

FOLKESTONE The Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty stretches from Lympne Hythe Dover to Sevenoaks along the chalk A259 escarpment. The North Downs Way National trail snakes through this landscape covering over 153 miles of

scenic routes and footpaths. Lydd N FRANCE

4 5 Head for the Hills is also supported by

Royal Geographical Society Kent Life Shepherd Neame

As part of our anniversary year with Britain’s extraordinary and Throughout the year we will “Shepherd Neame is very much we have teamed up with the diverse landscapes. be partnering with Kent Life a product of and indeed a part of Royal Geographical Society’s to publish a Monthly article the Kent landscape and therefore We will be releasing one view Discovering Britain project to about the Kent Downs – delighted to support Kent AONB, point per month on our website bring you the best views the just pick up a copy or visit: celebrating 50 years of championing and social media so you can AONB has to offer. kent-life.co.uk the unique beauty and diversity of the discover the best of the AONB, Kentish countryside”. Jonathan Neame Discovering Britain is a major each view point will be followed public engagement project by a guided walk to the point, from the Royal Geographical these walks are listed in the Society (with IBG) designed to events listings in this booklet. encourage deeper engagement discoveringbritain.org

6 7 The Head for the Hills

Charabanc’s grand tour Location Date Airstream will be on site

Shorne Open Day Saturday 28th April Lullingstone Open Day Saturday 12th May Brockhill Open Day Saturday 2nd June AONB Birthday Party Shorne Sunday 22nd July Woods Country Park Shorne Woods Thursday 2nd August Country Park Brockhill Country Park Tuesday 7th and Wednesday 8th August Brockhill Country Park Tuesday 14th and Wednesday 15th August Samphire Hoe Friday 17th August Lullingstone Country Park Monday 20th August Shorne Woods Country Park Thursday 23rd August The Head for the Hills Charabanc is a converted Lullingstone Lullingstone Monday 27th August 1950s Airstream caravan which will be touring Country Park Country Parks and events throughout the anniversary year giving people the opportunity to get involved with events and activities and to learn more about the AONB.

8 9 Head for the Hills and Discover Head for the 40th Anniversary Theatre in the Hills Guided Walks The Inn Crowd is a scheme to increase visitors to rural pubs through a programme In celebration of the 40th anniversary of the formal opening of live literature shows which take place of the North Downs Way National Trail we have recruited a in those pubs. The Inn Crowd Writers in Residence opportunity has been designed to stellar programme of led walks. support the community engagement aspect For more information on how to join in visit of the project. Residencies help ensure www.nationaltrail.co.uk/north-downs-way the scheme reaches as wide an audience @NorthDownsWay as possible, including those who would not normally attend or engage with live literature. Kent Downs AONB and Inn Crowd (via Applause Rural Touring), have developed a partnership to support a Writer/performer in Residence which will focus on the North Kent Downs. The writer/performer will spend time in and around pubs in the North Kent Downs generating and developing material that will be formed into a performance piece for touring and will culminate in a commissioned work taking place within the host pubs. For more information on where and when to catch the live performances visit www.kentdowns.org.uk or http://inncrowd.org.uk/

10 11 Stepping into the wonderful Kent Orchards for Darrent Valley Landscape The Ash Project world of swifts Everyone Partnership Scheme

Swifts are with us for just 3 The Darent Valley Landscape There are 150 million ash trees months each summer, bringing Partnership Scheme (DVLPS) in , Scotland and Wales. their screaming cries and lending is an exciting five year scheme Ash dieback is widely accepted drama and excitement to our skies. which will deliver a host of to be untreatable and could see These amazing birds have shared projects in partnership with the demise of 90-98% of these our buildings since Roman times local organisations, communities trees over the next decade. The but have suffered a 50% decline in and landowners throughout the Ash Project is an urgent cultural numbers in the last 20 years. We Darent Valley in West Kent. response to the devastating need to help them now. Join us on a effects of ash dieback in the Kent guided walk centred on the parish Celebrating the heritage Downs. church to find out all about swifts, of our orchards through Join us for a series of free public why they matter and how you can community engagement, ash events, walk, talks and help them thrive. education and volunteering workshops this summer. The walk will culminate in a guided kentorchards.org.uk visit to the local church where you www.theashproject.org.uk can learn all about its history and its central role in the parish Guided walks will be held in Wrotham, Trosley, Boxley and Hollingbourne Specialist talks, family events such For more information please see as orienteering and wildlife walks medwayvalley.org or phone are just a handful of the free 03000 422997 or follow us on events on offer this year. Facebook @KentDowns for up to date event listings Visit darent-valley.org.uk to find an event suitable for you or your VALLEY COUNTRYSIDE family and join us to explore this delightful landscape.

12 13 March April

SATURDAY 31ST THURSDAY 12TH SUNDAY 22ND SATURDAY 27TH 2 - 4pm 10 - 12noon 11 - 12:30pm AND SUNDAY 28TH Meet the Dexter’s Family Shepherd’s Rest 2pm and Easter Trail Learning Day Guided Walk Head For the Hills blue bell and cream tea walks Guided Walk

Distance: 1.5 Miles Distance: 2 Miles Distance: 2.5 Miles Meet: Near Footbridge over the A20, Meet: Blue Bell Hill Car Park Meet: Woodland Trust Car Park, at the far end of Old Folkestone Road ME5 9RG Church Road, ME17 1QT Aycliffe Dover TR 302 397 Lead organisation: Lead organisation: CT17 9HF Woodland Trust Bring: Sturdy Footwear Event leader: Rob Pennington Event leader: Clive Steward Distance: 2.5-3 Miles Lead organisation: White Cliffs To book: 01303 815170 To book: 01303 815170 Countryside Partnership kwt-aonb.eventbrite.co.uk shepherds-rest.eventbrite.co.uk Meet: In Field behind Event leader: Melanie Wrigley Village Hall ME7 3JZ To book: 01304 241806 Meet the warden and discover the Meet the Woodland Trust site Lead organisation: [email protected] wonderful variety of plants that make manager for a circular guided walk Bredhurst Woodland Action up this Reserve, understand how we around the estate to one of the best Group Join us for a walk to go and meet the manage the site for both wildlife and view points in the area. Learn about Event leader: Vanessa Jones rare breed Dexter cattle that graze People. We will make Nature Crowns the history and wildlife of the estate from the different leaves and plants and the Area of Outstanding Natural To book: [email protected]. the chalk meadows of the Western com Heights Nature Reserve. as we explore and walk towards Beauty. the Robin Hood Pub for a glass of Booking: bluebellwalk2018. lemonade. eventbrite.co.uk KEY TO EVENTS Free event Join BWAG for its popular Bluebell & 1958 Cream Tea Weekend. Guided walks - 2 Wheelchair friendly 01 8 through Bredhurst Woods followed Buggy friendly by cream teas at a local farm - shorter and longer walks available. Car parking charges Tickets £7.00 per person and must be purchased in advance - tickets will Dog friendly not be available on the day (children under 16 free). 14 15 May May

1ST - 31ST MAY 4TH - 11TH SUNDAY 6TH MAY SATURDAY 12TH 10 - 4pm Monday to Saturday 10 - 4pm Monday to Saturday 10.30 - 12:30pm 10 - 4pm Art from the AONB Walk the Chalk Ide Hill Guided walk En Plein Air Sketching exhibition at Folkestone Walking Festival and painting the AONB Museum

Meet: Folkestone Museum Distance: ¼ Mile carrying materials 1-2 Guidhall Street, Folkestone, Meet: Folkestone Museum CT20 1DY 1-2 Guildhall Street, Folkestone, Lead organisation: CT20 1DY Folkestone Museum Bring: Field Easel, chair and drawing board if you have them. All other A month long exhibition of artwork materials will be provided for free from the AONB Lead organisation: Folkestone Museum Event leader: John Wiltshire Distance: 3 Miles To book: 07895588970 Meet: Outside St Mary’s Church, Come and Walk The Chalk during Join Artist John Wiltshire to learn Ide Hill TN14 6JW Kent’s newest walking festival. how to create your own AONB work From May 4th to 11th, you may join Lead organisation: of art. The event will start form the a guided walk or take yourself on a North West Kent Countryside museum and will involve a walk out self-guided trail. Partnership to the Folkestone Downs AONB to Event leader: Catherine MacLean immerse yourself in the landscape. For details visit oldchalknewdowns.org.uk/action To book: nwkcp-aonb.eventbrite.co.uk

A circular guided walk from Ide Hill to take in the Royal Geographical Society viewpoint and the area’s rich heritage. References Octavia Hill, Victorian Ram Pump, Emmetts Garden and much more. 16 17 May June

18TH - 27TH WEDNESDAY 31ST SUNDAY 3RD SUNDAY 10TH Thursday – Sunday 11 - 3pm 10 - 1.30pm The ASH Archive Ranscombe Open Farm Common Ground Open Farm Sunday Sunday event Guided Walk

Meet: LIMBO, 2 Bilton Square, Distance: 4.5 Miles Events throughout the High Street, Margate Meet: Outside the Coffee Cabin, Kent Downs AONB. To book: No Booking Required Canterbury Road, Lyminge Check farmsunday.org CT18 8HT The Ash Archive is a growing Bring: Sturdy Walking Boots collection of objects, artworks, poems and drawings that chart a unique Lead organisation: materialist perspective on the history White Cliffs Countryside that we share with the ash tree. With Partnership artworks by Ackroyd & Harvey, Adam Event leader: Alfie Gay Chodzko, French and Mottershead, Magz Hall, Max Lamb, Autumn ‘Come on a circular walk through Richardson and Richard Skelton, the landscape of the Kent Downs, Sheaf & Barley, David Nash, and a Meet: Ranscombe Farm Car Park, starting and finishing at the Coffee growing collection of objects made Sundridge Hill, , Cabin in Lyminge. We’ll head towards from ash wood, including “things” TQ 71734 67386 the attractive viewpoint of Farthing from Rob Penn’s The Man Who Made Bring: Warm, waterproof clothing Common and look out for wildflowers Things Out of Trees. and sturdy boots in the hedgerows, field margins and meadows as we go.’ Lead organisation: Plantlife Event leader: Wynona Legg

A free Open Farm event for all the family. Come along on a guided arable plant walk, meet the farmer to learn about how the land is managed here at Ranscombe Farm Reserve and join in the fun with a range of family friendly activities. 18 19 June July

SUNDAY 10TH SATURDAY 16TH SUNDAY 1ST 5TH - 18TH 2 - 4pm 10 - 12.30pm 10 - 12noon Thursday – Wednesday Open Farm Sunday at Charing Village Fete Pastoral Poems-a walk 10 - 4pm Hollingbourne Farm with the poet The ASH Archive

Distance: 2 Miles Distance: 1.5-2 Miles Meet: Holllingbourne Farm, Meet: Romshed farm Underriver, Hollingbourne, ME17 1QJ Sevenoaks, TN15 0SD Bring: Sturdy walking boots and Bring: Sturdy footwear and suitable clothing suitable for the weather outdoor clothing Lead organisation: John Boyd Lead organisation: Event leader: John Boyd Romshed Farm Event leader: Fidelity Weston To book: Booking not required but Distance: N/A numbers limited please contact John To book: 01732 463372 Meet: Halpern Art Gallery, for more information: Lead organisation: 272 High St, Chatham [email protected] Adam Horovitz spent each of the four Charing Palace Project 07791040578 seasons at four farms across the UK, To book: No booking required charingpalace.org/ for more including Romshed Farm. From this information Join John the farmer for an afternoon he has written “The Soil Never Sleeps”, The Ash Archive is a growing stroll around Hollingbourne Farm. Event leader: Kate Stansfield an anthology of poems. This event collection of objects, artworks, poems Learn more about farming in the is an opportunity to walk with Adam and drawings that chart a unique Kent Downs and meet the white park Join the Charing Palace project to the places and sites that inspired materialist perspective on the history cattle. amongst the other stalls at the fete to him at Romshed Farm, followed by that we share with the ash tree. With learn more about Charing place, its a reading of his poetry in the farm`s artworks by Ackroyd & Harvey, Adam links with pilgrimage and the North 15th century Kent Barn. Chodzko, French and Mottershead, Downs Way. Magz Hall, Max Lamb, Autumn Richardson and Richard Skelton, Sheaf & Barley, David Nash, and a growing collection of objects made from ash wood, including “things” from Rob Penn’s The Man Who Made Things Out of Trees.

20 21 July July August

SUNDAY 15TH 18TH - 1ST SUNDAY 22ND FRIDAY 3RD 10 - 12noon 10 - 12.30pm 11 - 3pm 2.30 - 5pm A view fit for a queen Cobham Landscape AONB Big Birthday Bash Hear Hear Guided Walk Guided Walk Detectives

Distance: 2 Miles Distance: 0.5 Miles Distance: 4 Miles Meet: Queen Down Warren Meet: Shorne Country Park, Brewers Meet: Village car park (near Car Park ME9 7XH Rd, Shorne, Gravesend DA12 3HX the church), off High Street, St. Lead organisation: Lead organisation: KDAOND Margaret’s-at-Cliffe Dover, Kent Wildlife Trust CT15 6AA (TR 348 447). Event leader: Alison Ruyter Join the party to celebrate the 50th Lead organisation: To book: 01303 815170 Anniversary of the Kent Downs White Cliffs Countryside kwt-aonb.eventbrite.co.uk AONB Unit. Events, activities, music, Partnership games, cake and much more. 01304 241806 mail@ Bring the whole family to explore the whitecliffscountryside.org.uk different kinds of nature on this lovely Event leader: Sue Bradford reserve. Get a rare opportunity to To book: Booking not required explore areas that are usually closed Meet: Shorne Woods Country Park, to the public. Brewers Road, Gravesend This gentle walk will take you from Wear appropriate clothing and shoes, DA12 3HX the countryside of St. Margaret’s at wellies or walking boots if there has Lead organisation: Cobham Cliffe with stunning views out to sea. been rain. The walk is through the Landscape Detectives We will walk along the cliffs where a Nature Reserve and it may not be National Trust volunteer will tell us Event leader: Andrew Mayfield easily travelled with a pushchair. The all about the history of the recently way is steep in places with narrow, To book: unearthed sound mirror on the White uneven paths that may be muddy or shornewoodsarchaeology.co.uk Cliffs of Dover. This walk can also be slippery after rain. No stiles, all gates. translated into French. Cobham Landscape Detectives will be a three year discovery project covering the Cobham landscape, using LiDAR, geophysics, field walking, metal detecting, research, oral history, small scale trenching and test pitting. 22 23 August

SUNDAY 5TH TUESDAY 7TH FRIDAY 17TH 10-5pm (1pm - 5pm for those joining at Samphire Hoe) 2 - 4pm 11 - 2pm CHALKUP21 Poets and Writers Walk Rock Pool Rockstars Green Heritage event at Samphire Hoe

Distance: 8 Miles Distance: 0.5 Miles Meet: Samphire Hoe Coach Meet: Section1: Meet at The wing Meet: Samphire Hoe Rangers Hut Car Park CT17 9FL car park, battle of Britain memorial, CT17 9FL Lead organisation: Capel le Ferne CT18 7JJ Bring: Appropriate footwear and Kent Downs AONB and the Section2: Samphire Hoe Education clothes and bring spares as you University of Kent Shelter CT17 9FL might get wet Event leader: Mary Tate Bring: Sturdy walking boots, weather Lead organisation: 013030 815170 appropriate clothing, note book and White Cliffs Countryside To book: Booking not required something to write with Partnership Lead organisation: Event leader: Paul Holt Join us in the airstream caravan for 01304 225649 talks and workshops on the green Dover Arts Development heritage of the Kent Downs with Event leader: Chris Poundwhite The event is open to poets and writers To book: Booking not required Dr Karen Jones from the University and Louise Webb whether established or aspiring and of Kent. participants will need a notebook and Discover the incredible creatures that To book: 01303 815170 something to write with. There will make their homes in the rock pools at poets-and-writers-walk.eventbrite. be a chance to perform the works Samphire Hoe. co.uk inspired by the trail at a poetry event We have plenty of nets and tanks but The walk is being led by poet and at Samphire Hoe in September. Please you’re welcome to bring your own. writer Chris Poundwhite and takes wear good walking boots and weather in 5 of the 9 structures forming the appropriate clothing. CHALKUP21 art and architecture For more information on the trail starting at The Wing at the Battle CHALKUP21 trail and its 9 of Britain Memorial in Capel-le -Ferne structures, please visit and ending at the North Downs chalkup21.com Way Start/Finish line on Dover’s Esplanade.

24 25 August September

WEDNESDAY 22ND WEDNESDAY 22ND 1ST - 30TH 6TH - 22ND 10 - 12noon 6 - 9pm 9:30 - 17:00 Monday-Saturday Thursday - Sunday Family Farm Walk at Lines Made By Walking Dover Museum Exhibition The ASH Archive Bore place

Meet: Bore Place, TN8 7AR Meet: TBC Meet: Dover Museum, Market Bring: Appropriate footwear and Lead organisation: Folkestone Square Dover, CT16 1PH clothing for the weather Quaterhouse, Go To The Pine, Lead organisation: Lead organisation: Bore Place Folkestone Fringe Dover Museum (Commonwork Trust) Event leader: Chris Poundwhite and To book: No booking required Event leader: Becky Baldock Helen Lees A month long exhibition of artwork To book: boreplace.org/whats-on To book: Via Folkestone Quaterhouse (details available closer and pictures from the AONB. It is a bountiful time of year on the to the event date) farm. The dairy cows are calving, the www.quarterhouse.co.uk organic market garden is bursting with ripe produce and the hedgerows Celebrating 40 years of the North Meet: SALT Festival, Brewery Tap that line the grazing pastures are rich Downs Way and 50 Years of the Kent Gallery, Tontine St, Folkestone in ripening blackberries. So bring the Downs Area of Outstanding Natural To book: No booking required children out for a fun-filled guided Beauty, this creative workshop takes us by foot from sea to hill and hill to The Ash Archive is a growing walk to explore the farm and be collection of objects, artworks, poems sea, connecting Folkestone with one tempted by some tasty nibbles along and drawings that chart a unique of England’s greatest walking routes the way. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy materialist perspective on the history and landscapes. Led by Ecopoet Chris in the Green Man Glade. Ages 5+ that we share with the ash tree. With Poundwhite and Artist, Helen Lee, accompanied by responsible adult. artworks by Ackroyd & Harvey, Adam we will work with pen and paper on Not suitable for buggies. The walk Chodzko, French and Mottershead, involves gentle slopes, uneven ground, poems and drawings that respond to Magz Hall, Max Lamb, Autumn crossing over stiles and squeeze gaps. the landscapes that we pass through Richardson and Richard Skelton, and witness. Sheaf & Barley, David Nash, and a growing collection of objects made from ash wood, including “things” from Rob Penn’s The Man Who Made Things Out of Trees. 26 27 September THE GREEN PILGRIMAGE 6TH - 9TH SUNDAY 9TH 2 - 4pm PROJECT SALT Sea and the The end is in Sight Environment Festival Guided Walk, Chillham

Meet: Folkestone Distance: 0.5 Miles Meet: TBC SALT festival of the Sea and Environment will take you on a Bring: Sturdy Boots creative and inspiring journey Lead organisation: through the landscape and culture of Pavement Pounders the coast. There will be opportunities to walk, talk, make, write, observe, A guided walk led by Pavement have fun, and share ideas over Pounders , Artist with a passion for good food. SALT is cocurated by heritage. Or follow us on Facebook Quarterhouse, Folkestone Fringe and @KentDowns for up to date event Chris Poundwhite of Go to the Pine listings. with ideas gathered from the local community. The festival explores the way coastal environments shape who we are and how we think, and asks Green Pilgrimage is a 5 year project funded by Interreg Europe to show how what the future might hold for the growth and development policies can economically benefit AND protect natural people and places that exist on the and cultural heritage. Key to this is our focus on the power of pilgrimage - edge. recognized today as one of the fastest growing segments of the travel industry (UNWTO, 2015) with more than 300 million pilgrims every year. There will be two guided walks led by Chris Poundwhite during the week Ancient pilgrim routes such as The Way of St James to Santiago de Compostela, which celebrate the Kent Downs. Spain, report an annual 10% increase in numbers, particularly among non- For more information and events religious. Policy influence will increase pilgrimage across Europe through listings visit folkestonefringe.com creating a greater awareness of its benefits. The project will hold exchanges and workshops on sustainable pilgrimage promotion, pilgrimage tourism impact, environmental protection and European best practice. More information can be found at kentdowns.org.uk

28 29 September

SATURDAY 8TH SUNDAY 16TH SATURDAY 29TH 10 - 1pm 10.30 - 1.30pm 11am and 3pm Lines Made By Walking Out on a Lympne Arts and Crafts at Guided Walk Dover Museum

Distance: 3.5-3 Miles Distance: 3.5-3 Miles Meet: Dover Museum, Market Meet: TBC Meet: Royal Military Canal Car Park Square, Dover CT16 1PH Bring: Sturdy Footwear West Hythe, CT21 4NT Bring: Sturdy Footwear Lead organisation: Bring: Sturdy Footwear Lead organisation: LV21 Folkestone Quaterhouse, Go To The Lead organisation: To book: Please phone the Museum Pine, Folkestone Fringe Kent Downs AONB Unit and Royal on 01304 201066 or drop in to book Event leader: Chris Poundwhite Geographical Society Try your hand at creating some and Helen Lees Event leader: artwork inspired by the Kent Downs To book: Mary Tate and Caroline Millar with help from a local artist. There will Via Folkestone Quaterhouse (details 01303 815170 (Mary) be two drop in sessions throughout available closer to the event date) To book: the day. Please drop in to or call Dover www.quarterhouse.co.uk out-on-a-lympne.eventbrite.co.uk Museum to book your places or follow us on Facebook @KentDowns for up Celebrating 40 years of the North Join us on a guided walk to one of to date event listings. Downs Way and 50 Years of the Kent the best view points in the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this creative workshop takes Beauty in Lympne. Led by the Royal us by foot from sea to hill and hill to Geographical Society (with IBG) sea, connecting Folkestone with one and Kent Downs AONB Unit, we of England’s greatest walking routes will walk through woodland and and landscapes. Led by Ecopoet Chris open countryside to reach Lympne Poundwhite and Artist, Helen Lee, Church where you will be promised we will work with pen and paper on spectacular views of the Romney poems and drawings that respond to Marsh and surrounding landscape. the landscapes that we pass through Please Note: This walk involves a and witness. steep climb and muddy, slippery decent back down to the Royal Military Canal. 30 31 Wye Pilgrims Festival 2018 September 24th- 30th Film, Walks, Talks, Literature, Medieval Feasts, Refugee Tales, Plays, Singing, Music, Ales, School

Activities and all things pilgrimage. The success of St James Way to fantastic pilgrimage heritage Santiago de Compostela, Spain we are organising Wye Pilgrims Come explore all things relating to Kent’s rich tradition of Pilgrimage and in providing an economic lifeline Festival. This will be a week-long what it meant in the past and what it means today. Whatever your beliefs to rural communities has been series of events and workshops to pilgrimage and long distance walking are fast being recognised as the world’s documented by the BBC and will explore the full range of pilgrimage fastest growing tourism industry (UNWTO). soon be the subject of a major experiences. For those of faith and new report. Tuscany, the jewel in no faith, for 5km routes to 1700 the crown of Italian tourism, has km routes, for those interested recognised the Via Francigena in natural and cultural heritage, pilgrimage route as their ‘tourism drama, music, film and more. product of the future’ and has invested more than €20 million The organiser is Catherine in its development. Beyond Bradley at the Kent Downs Area of economic benefits pilgrimage and Outstanding Natural Beauty who distance walking also help protect is working with local people to run cultural and natural heritage as all the events as part of the Wye well as providing spiritual and Pilgrims Festival 2018. wellbeing benefits. We are very grateful to have the Of the many pilgrim routes use of the beautiful St Gregory in Kent, the Pilgrims Way to and St Martin church in Wye for Canterbury is the most famous. the week. Local clubs, schools and The North Downs Way National businesses will also be involved Trail largely mirrors this ancient through their own venues as well route and offers walkers a well as through the church. So whether maintained and signposted route your interest lies in pilgrimage, to Canterbury. The North Downs distance walking, church heritage Way was launched in Wye 40 years or just the concept of a special ago in 1978. To celebrate the 40th journey please contact Catherine anniversary and to promote Kent’s to become involved.

32 33 Wye Pilgrims Festival 2018 October September 24th- 30th SUNDAY 7TH 10- 20TH Film, Walks, Talks, Literature, Medieval Feasts, Refugee Tales, Plays, 11 - 1pm Wednesday - Saturday Singing, Music, Ales, School Activities and all things pilgrimage. Butterflies, Blossom and The ASH Archive Brandy Guided Walk DRAFT PROGRAMME – Final British Pilgrimage Trust Walk, Church Programme and booking information History walk, Landscape walk will be posted at kentdowns.org.uk New Kent Downs Website Refugee Tales - Walk Chilham to Wye featuring professional writers Distance: 2.5 Miles Monday 24th - recounting stories of refugees Meet: Cherry Downs Raymers Hill Friday 28th September currently at Gatwick Detention Warren Street Lenham, Centre Launch of Pilgrims Festival ME17 2PE Charing Palace Restoration Display Bring: Sturdy Boots Pilgrims Menus in local eateries Street Play of St Martin’s Tale Lead organisation: Medway Valley Film Night - Showing of Martin Countryside Partnership Sheen’s “The Way” and other pilgrim Pilgrimage by Flute and Spoken Event leader: Mark Pritchard related films – Wye Film Society Word To book: 01303815170 Literary Evening – featuring Fair Trade Stall eventbrite.co.uk/o/ Meet: Kaleidoscope Gallery, published authors who have medway-valley-countryside- Evening Pilgrim’s Feast Buckhurst Lane, Sevenoaks completed some of Europe’s long partnership-17010855249 distance pilgrim routes including Medieval Style To book: No booking required North Downs Way, Via Francigena, Join us for a walk from the wonderful After Feast Entertainments The Ash Archive is a growing St Augustine’s Way, and St James Cherry downs which give a stunning collection of objects, artworks, poems Way Spain. Sunday 30th September view of the Kent Downs from the car and drawings that chart a unique park. Learn about the management The Millers Tale – a play by the Pilgrim Breakfasts materialist perspective on the history of ancient orchards, grasslands and Dour Players that we share with the ash tree. With Celebratory Service at Wye Church understand more about the ecology of artworks by Ackroyd & Harvey, Adam this site and the surrounding area. A Pilgrim’s Musical Concert Parade to Wye Crown for 40th Chodzko, French and Mottershead, Please bring sturdy walking boots and School and Youth activities Anniversary of North Downs Way Magz Hall, Max Lamb, Autumn be prepared for a steep climb. Richardson and Richard Skelton, Celebratory Launch of 40th Saturday 29th September Sheaf & Barley, David Nash, and a Anniversary North Downs Way growing collection of objects made Multiple themed walks converging ‘Ales of the Trail’ at Wye Church: Foraging walk, from ash wood, including “things” from Rob Penn’s The Man Who Made Things Out of Trees. 34 35 October November

MONDAY 22ND SUNDAY 4TH SATURDAY 17TH Battle’s Over: 10 -1pm 11 - 1pm 1 - 3pm A Nation’s Tribute Apple day at Bore Place A Tomb with a View The Smugglers of Guided Walk Hougham Guided Walk

Meet: Bore Place,TN8 7AR Distance: 5 Miles Bring: Wellies/Boots Meet: TR290 390 Lead organisation: Bore Place Bring: Sturdy Footwear/waterproofs Event leader: Becky Baldock Lead organisation: White Cliffs Countryside Partnership To book: boreplace.org/whats-on Distance: 2.5 Miles Event leader: Melanie Wrigley Spend a fun apple themed morning at Meet: Pinesfield Lane, Trottestcliffe, 01304 241806 Bore Place – tasting, learning, making TQ649307 [email protected] and baking! Activities include baking To book: No booking required Join us for a celebration of the end of organic apple and oat muffins (to eat Lead organisation: Medway Valley Countryside Partnership WW2. Poems will be written to hang whilst warm or take home), visiting Join a walk in the beautiful Hougham from the trees and crosses named our orchard, vegetable garden and Event leader: Mark Pritchard valley, with hilltop down land views, for the fallen from the village war farm, tasting our apple varieties and To book: 01303815170 ancient woodland and a historic memorials. apple juice, and enjoying some apple eventbrite.co.uk/o/ sunken lane. Hear the story of the themed crafts. The session is suitable medway-valley-countryside- Smugglers; call into a farm café for For more information visit for children aged 4-12, accompanied partnership-17010855249 refreshments before returning to the kentdowns.org.uk and by a responsible adult. The session start. kentishstour.org.uk or follow us on starts at 10:00 and finishes at 13:00. Join us for a walk up escarpment Facebook @KentDowns for up to You are very welcome to make a day and back down to view the ancient date event listings. of it and bring a picnic then have a and mystical Coldrum long barrow. walk in the afternoon on one of our 3 learn why it is there and admire the trail routes. Bring your wellies! wonderful views from the site and along the route where you can admire the beauty of the Kent Downs. Please bring sturdy footwear and be prepared for a sharp climb up the escarpment.

36 37 December

SUNDAY 1ST SUNDAY 9TH 9am - 6pm Monday-Friday 10.30 - 12.30pm 10 -1pm 9am - 5pm Saturday Learn to Geocache It’s a Plants Life Closed on Sundays Industry of the Kent Downs AONB Exhibition Guided Walk

Distance: 4 Miles Meet: Sevenoaks Museum Meet: Meet at the bottom of Brasted Buckhurst Lane Sevenoaks TN13 1LQ Lane, Knockholt, TQ 466 586 To book: No booking required Bring: GPS handset or smartphone. A small exhibition containing artefacts from the bygone era of industries on the Walking boots and suitable outdoor Kent Downs AONB. clothing Lead organisation: North West Kent Countryside Partnership Event leader: Sara Spellman Distance: 3 Miles [email protected] Meet: Ranscombe farm Reserve car 03000 415 217 Park, Sundridge Hill Cuxton To book: TQ 71734 67387 nwkcp-aonb.eventbrite.co.uk Bring: Warm waterproof clothing and sturdy boots Learn how to geocache – the modern-day version of treasure Lead organisation: Plantlife hunting! Follow the geotrail along the Event leader: Richard Moyse picturesque North Downs Way and To book: No booking required admire the views as you hunt. We will instruct you on how to download the A 3 mile circular walk, taking Geocache app before the day of the in spectacular views over the walk. surrounding North Downs and Medway Towns. Warm, waterproof clothing and sturdy boots - paths are muddy and uneven in places.

38 39 25 YEARS OF GREEN GANG! Have Your Say on how the Kent Downs is The Green Gang is a special programme of fun events for HAVE managed in the future by following this link children and their families that has been running for 23 years, YOUR and completing this short survey. giving children an opportunity to learn more about local wildlife www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/RCJVRDC and countryside for more information and full listings of Green SAY Gang events during the anniversary year in the AONB visit: For further information and updates on www.whitecliffscountryside.org.uk how to be involved in the Kent Downs Management Plan please visit kentdowns.org.uk

A PLEDGE FOR THE HILLS What will you promise to do to help the Kent Downs?

• Walk a section of the • Plant a native tree, hedgerow North Downs Way or wildflower meadow • Visit a Royal Geographical • Have a picnic on the Society view point to see the Kent Downs or in a local best view the Kent Downs has Country Park to offer. • Visit a Kentish Vineyard, • Volunteer your time in the Brewery, Micro Pub or Kent Downs Farmers Market • Attend an event in the Kent • Spread the word; Like and Downs during the anniversary share what we are doing to year protect the Kent Downs on • Visit the ASH project art Social Media installation/exhibition • Visit one of Kent’s top spots for Orchids or traditional Orchards

For more information and to find out how you can do all of these things visit www.kentdowns.org.uk

40 41 With Thanks To: Kent County Council The Heritage Lottery Fund Kent Country Parks Royal Geographical Society LEAF Open Farm Sunday ROYAL GEOGRAPHICAL SOCIETY INN Crowd Pavement Pounders Shephard Neame Folkestone Museum VIEW POINTS Kent Life Dover Museum White Cliffs Countryside Sevenoaks Museum Discovering Britain is a major new walking Partnership Chalk up 21/Dover Arts project from the Royal Geographical Medway Valley Countryside Council Partnership Society (with IBG) to encourage deeper SALT Festival engagement with Britain’s extraordinary Kentish Stour Countryside Partnership The Charing Place Project and diverse landscapes. North West Kent Countryside Romshed Farm Partnership Our website features over 350 long walks, short trails and LV21 viewpoints which will unlock and explore the stories of Britain The Woodland Trust ASH Project through its geography, history and culture. Encompassing both Kent Wildlife Trust John Wiltshire the countryside and the townscape, the focus of the walks will be on discovering and exploring the stories of our rich diverse The Bay Trust Darent Valley Landscape landscapes Bredhurst Woodland Action Partnership Scheme Group Orchards for Everyone www.discoveringbritain.org/activities/south-east-england/ Bore Place

42 43 Hugh Ribbans trained at Canterbury College of Art and runs a graphic design business. Relief printmaking was his craft subject at college, particularly linocutting, and in 1989 he purchased a restored Columbian press, circa 1830. He now spends as much time as his graphic work allows, producing woodcuts and linocuts, mixing heavily grained wood - often driftwood - and lino in his prints. Subject matter is derived from images of animals and birds often with a stylised treatment much influenced by ethnic art and his graphic background.

He has exhibited at the Barbican Gallery, the National Theatre, the National Print Exhibition, the Printmakers Council Open, The Society of Wood Engravers, the Society of Wildlife Artists and the Affordable Artfair.

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