The countryside of Cuxton
The countryside of Cuxton, formed by the beautiful rolling hills and valleys of the North Kent Downs, evolved over thousands of years. The downs are capped by ancient native woodland, overlooking long valleys, deeply eroded out of the underlying chalk bedrock. These valleys lack natural water sources and have always been sparsely settled. They remain remote and peaceful places.
Designated National Landscape
The downs and their valleys are rare and precious, providing sanctuaries for flora and fauna, as well as peace, tranquillity, stunning views and dark skies.. All this is protected by law because the Kent Downs are designated as a National Landscape (formerly an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) – similar to a National Park – and though it remains a place of work, it is protected against development that would damage its qualities.
We are all guardians
But the legal framework and the authorities who bear responsibility for the landscape are not its only guardians: we are, too. If we value our countryside, all of us can influence decisions about its future.
A large area of countryside within the Kent Downs, including Cuxton, is part of a new National Nature Reserve called the Kent Woods and Downs, and may also be included within a UNESCO Global Geopark celebrating the English Channel and chalk landscapes in Kent and northern France.
