Imagine that it’s your job to encourage people to enjoy the countryside of the Stour Valley. How would you motivate local people to make the most of what is on their doorstep? How would you persuade someone who had never been to this area to come? The chances are you would start to talk about what you like about it - your personal perceptions.

While writing a strategy for interpretation in the Stour Valley I have encouraged Project staff to ask themselves what they like about the Project Area - what makes it special. The strategy looks at ways of helping local people and tourists to explore, enjoy and understand the countryside.

Landscapes

There was agreement that one of the key things the Stour Valley has to offer is a very varied landscape. From the dramatic Devil’s Kneading Trough to the extensive woodlands of the Blean to the wide open spaces of the Ash Levels, the contrast is quite amazing. Within this variety, rolling, unspoilt downlands and the reedbeds and lakes alongside the Great Stour were highlighted.

Distinctiveness

Certain features of the Valley give it its own identity. These include the large woodlands, oast houses, water mills, old orchards and views of Canterbury and the Cathedral. Building materials like flint and ragstone are also part of the picture.

Remoteness

Despite being in the South East, with major transport routes running through it, parts of the Stour Valley are still very tranquil and remote. Whether you are in the intimate Crundale Valley or on the dunes at Sandwich Bay, it is possible to feel a very long way from the bustle of modern life.

Rural Character

The Stour Valley has retained its rural character in many places, and its countryside is still very much a working landscape shaped by farming, dotted with peaceful, historic villages. Again this is particularly important and surprising given its location and the threats from urban and transport development.

These are just some of the many attributes that were highlighted. We hope it will get you thinking about what you like about the area.

Will Hirstle 
Consultant, Clarity Interpretation

Kentish Stour Countryside Project
Sidelands Farm, Wye, Ashford, Kent TN25 5DQ
01233 813307
kentishstour@kent.gov.uk