Kent Downs National Landscape

Kent Downs National Landscape, a chalk and greensand ribbon from the Surrey border to Dover’s white cliffs, combines biodiverse chalk grassland, ancient woodlands and historic orchards.

Its natural capital underpins opportunities in soil carbon, habitat enhancement, regenerative land use, orchard and horticulture stewardship, heritage tourism and climate resilience.  

Open the drop-down box for a quick overview of the assets and opportunities in Kent Downs National Landscape: 

Welcome to Kent Downs National Landscape

The Kent Downs stretch as a gently rolling gateway from south-east England’s interior to dramatic coastal escarpments and sea views. Characterised by chalk downland rich in unimproved grassland, ancient beech and mixed woodlands, and a well-wooded greensand ridge, this landscape also includes traditional orchards and hop gardens, historic parklands and market towns. 

The area’s long history of farming and horticulture, together with expansive public-rights-of-way and national trails (including the North Downs Way), creates a dynamic mix of biodiversity, heritage, recreation and ecosystem services. 

The Kent Downs National Landscape is leading a pioneering bid for Cross-Channel UNESCO Global Geopark status, uniting it with France’s Parc Naturel Régional des Caps et Marais d’Opale to celebrate shared geology and strengthen international collaboration on sustainable tourism, education and conservation. This world-first designation underscores the area’s global significance and cross-border economic potential.

For businesses, Kent Downs offers opportunities in chalk grassland restoration (including low-input grazing systems), orchard and heritage crop stewardship, woodland and greenspace enhancement, sustainable tourism and nature-based flood and water management projects, delivering measurable natural capital and community outcomes. 

Natural capital assets and opportunities  

Here are the key project strands open to corporate backing, each delivering measurable impact and tailored to your goals: 

• Chalk grassland & calcareous habitats: richness in pollinators, soil carbon, rare species. 
• Ancient woodlands & scrub: carbon storage, wildlife corridors.
• Orchards & horticultural systems: traditional agricultural values, crop diversity.
• River valleys & downland streams: water regulation, groundwater recharge.
• Parks, trails & heritage sites: recreation, education, iconic landscape experiences.