Special Landscapes
Chalk escarpments, rolling Wealden valleys, haunting marshes - Ashford and Tenterden's special landscapes are dazzling in their diversity.
Edging just north of Ashford, the Kent Downs AONB is a dramatic ridge of chalk grassland which bursts into vivid wild flower colour each spring. Look out too for the Wye Crown; carved in 1902 to commemorate the coronation of Edward VII - it boasts stunning views. Then discover how the Devil's Kneading Trough dates from the last ice age. And Kings Wood, Challock is an ancient forest traced through with four enchanting, circular walking trails.
There are also many parks and open spaces to enjoy. Victoria Park in Ashford is spread over 17 acres and features the impressive Hubert Fountain, a riverside walk, a memorial garden & more. Tenterden Recreation Ground has a large grass area, children's play park, tennis courts, a football field and there's picnic tables and wooden benches too. Singleton Lake in Ashford is a man-made lake stocked with coarse fish. It's a great spot for walking and cycling and there are plenty of ducks for the children to feed.
Civic Park is located in the centre of Ashford and is home to the borough's beacon. With the river running either side of the park it's an ideal spot to picnic and meet up with family and friends.
Conningbrook Lakes is a unique setting and presents an opportunity to boost the borough’s leisure, recreation and countryside conservation offer by providing a gateway for walkers and cyclists to explore the Stour Valley, and to extend and enhance riverside wildlife habitats.
Hamstreet Woods Nature Reserve is a remnant of an ancient forest that once covered the whole Weald after the last Ice Age. The woods are still managed in a traditional way, which helps it support an outstanding collection of birds and moths. And The Warren near Ashford, managed by Kent Wildlife Trust, is open woodland full of dappled light and wide pathways under the trees. There are a variety of circular walks around the woodland, some have sections of steep inclines, steps and unevent surfaces. The woodland attracts off road cycling enthusiasts, only permitted in certain areas.
