Ashford Green Corridor Nature Reserve

The Great Stour floodplain runs through urban Ashford and provides valuable green space and wildlife habitats. Most of this area is designated as a local nature reserve, and supports wildlife including voles, kingfishers and bats. Detailed information and an interactive map can be found online at the virtual visitor centre http://www.ashfordgreencorridor.org.uk.

All the Green Corridor areas marked on the interactive map are open to the public, although in some places access is restricted. Visitors to the reserve can enjoy a walk or cycle ride along most of the corridor. There are open spaces for games, sports pitches and play areas at many sites along the corridor. Many local people use the network of foot and cycle paths to take a stroll, go on a relaxing bike ride, walk the dog or simply get around town, avoiding busy roads.

The Corridor also forms links to rural areas, allowing people to walk and cycle from the town to the countryside around Ashford. The network of surfaced paths along many routes increases their accessibility to those with mobility problems, including wheelchair users. For specific information, visitors are advised to go to the interactive map, click on the relevant part of the route and look for information under the heading Disabled Access.

Where the Green Corridor reaches the outskirts of the town are ‘gateways’ to the countryside – ideal places to start exploring rural areas, using the network of lanes and public rights of way, and walking trails such as the Stour Valley Walk. The National Cycle Route 18, from Canterbury to Royal Tunbridge Wells, runs through the Ashford Green Corridor alongside the footpath.