Living up to its name as the ‘Garden of England’, Kent has an abundance of beautiful countryside, natural habitats and local produce to explore. Offering ways to conserve, protect and celebrate this bountiful county, Katy Mason, Girl About Kent, shares five rewarding activities to make the most of your next staycation
JOIN A COMMUNITY BEACH CLEAN IN MARGATE
‘Rise Up. Clean Up’ is a community-driven movement that hosts regular beach cleans in
the seaside town of Margate. With sessions on weekends and evenings, join a group to
help clear up any rubbish left behind on the beach and bask in the glow of joining this sociable and rewarding activity. Litter pickers and bin bags are provided; visit the website for upcoming dates. riseupcleanup.co.uk
PADDLE DOWN THE RIVER STOUR WITH CANOE WILD
Spend a blissful couple of hours exploring the waterways of Canterbury’s River Stour by kayak, canoe or paddle board with Canoe Wild. Based just 2.5 miles outside of Canterbury, Canoe Wild run both guided tours and private hire of their water equipment throughout the year from their base in Fordwich – England’s smallest town. It’s a tranquil way to see some of Kent’s natural habitats. canoewild.co.uk
GO FORAGING WITH FORTH & FORAGE
Discover some of Kent’s spectacular array of wild foods on one of Forth & Forage’s
friendly foraging walking tours through the coast, woodlands and towns of Herne
Bay, Whitstable and Canterbury. A brilliant way of engaging with nature, on one of
Amy’s fabulous tours you’ll learn how to identify some of the hidden gems in our
environment, from the edible flowers and healing herbs, to wild spices and seasonal
fruits. forthandforage.co.uk
ESCAPE INTO THE FOREST AT BEDGEBURY PINETUM
Set in the heart of the High Weald’s AONB, Bedgebury Pinetum is home to a worldleading collection of conifers and over 12,000 specimen trees. Spanning 350 acres,
this magnificent Forestry England site boasts spectacular views, serene trails and natural play areas for youngsters. If you’re keen to really immerse yourself in forest life, there is the fabulous, family-run Stay At Forest Edge glamping site nearby. forestryengland.uk/bedgebury
FOLLOW A NATURE TRAIL AT ROMNEY MARSH
Boasting a diverse range of wildlife, nature trails and an award-winning visitor
centre (thanks to its host of sustainable features), Romney Marsh Nature Reserve
is a prime spot for a day out on the Kent coast. Managed by the Kent Wildlife Trust,
conservation is at the heart of the reserve and it’s a designated Site of Scientific
Interest. Spend some time here and you’ll come away with a deeper understanding
of the region’s rich history and diverse habitats. kentwildlifetrust.org.uk
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Katy Mason on instagram @girl.aboutkent