Bluebell Hill

The Old Chalk New Downs project is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and focuses on restoring chalk grassland and other downland habitats in North Kent, between Kemsing and Detling.

“Chalk grassland is the European equivalent to tropical rain forest” – Professor David Bellamy on a visit to Kent in 1994

Chalk grassland (or chalk downland) is one of most special wildlife habitats in the UK. Lie down on chalk grassland on a warm summer’s day and your senses will be filled with the smells of wild flowers, the sound of bees and the colour of butterflies and orchids.

It is now a very rare and fragmented habitat and of international conservation importance.  Old Chalk New Downs project will restore and connect downland habitats in North Kent, to conserve this historic landscape and reconnect people with their natural heritage.

You’d never believe what we saw today!

Get hands on and learn traditional landscape management techniques.  Meet new people. Learn the names of all those butterflies and flowers.

Take a picnic, hear the breeze in the grass and experience the colours and sounds of nature!

Visiting the project area

Whether you come for peace and serenity or attend one of the family friendly events you will have a ‘back to nature’ experience that you will not forget.  Some of Kent’s most well known and ancient walkways pass through the area including the North Downs Way and the Pilgrims Way.

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