As part of our 2021/22 Action Plan, Kent Community Rail Partnership worked collaboratively with the team at Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to discover a way for Kent CRP to connect with their Experience project.
The Experience project aims to bring more sustainable tourism to the Kent Downs AONB and extend the typical tourist season earlier into Spring and later into Autumn. This was combined with a desire to promote sustainable ways of reaching the Kent Downs AONB and introducing tourists to some of the less frequented parts of the Kent Downs.
Therese Hammond and Gary Outram were selected to become North Downs Way Ambassadors as the stations along much of the Kent Downs Line and the northern end of the Medway Valley Line provide excellent access to the trail. Ambassadors share their love of the North Downs Way, interesting facts and local knowledge about the trail.
The Ambassador training was in depth, covering map reading, way finding, risk assessment, managing a walking group and the practical elements of leading a walk in the countryside. It also sought to expand the Ambassadors’ knowledge of the North Downs Way, its rich natural history, and varied wildlife and rare plants. It provides space to connect with nature, tranquil spots for contemplation, and offers many beautiful views. The trail also has many associations with pilgrimage and the surrounding villages offer B&Bs, pubs, cafes, speciality stores, farmers markets, historic churches and much more for visitors to enjoy.
For our 2022/23 Action Plan we will be hosting led walks in the Kent Downs AONB and beyond, encouraging use of the railway to bring tourists sustainably to the Kent Downs, showcasing the trail and the hospitality available in the communities we serve.
Walks must be booked in advance through our partners at the Heart of Kent Walking Festival, we would very much like you to join us.