THE BEST KENTISH PLACES TO EXPLORE WITH YOUR POOCH
DAYSOUT
DOG DAYS :
THE BEST KENTISH PLACES TO EXPLORE WITH YOUR POOCH
GREET JANUARY BY GIVING IT SOME GUSTO ! GET OUTSIDE , EMBRACE THE FRESH WINTER AIR AND ENJOY SOME OF KENT ’ S MOST BREATHTAKING LANDSCAPES WITH MAN ’ S BEST FRIEND - YOUR DOG .
They ’ ve always been your loudest cheerleader and most supportive confidant , loving you no matter what and completely unconditionally . This makes your fourlegged friend the perfect partner to take with you on adventures during what is said to be the gloomiest month of the year . To a dog , January is no rival . If you haven ’ t got a pet pooch then it doesn ’ t matter ! You ’ re sure to meet some friendly canines out in Kent ’ s countryside just waiting to bound up to you and lift your spirits .
According to UK charity Mind , spending time in nature has been found to help with anxiety and low moods , as does the addition of exercise and of course quality time spent with our pets . And with so much glorious countryside , beaches and open space for our dogs to roam , Kent is the perfect place to get out and about embracing the fresh winter air .
In November 2023 , Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty ( AONB ) were given a brand new name : National Landscapes . Areas of Outstanding National Beauty , as they have been known since their inception in 1949 , has been elevated to ‘ National Landscapes ’ to place them alongside their larger and more wellknown counterpart ‘ National Parks ’, highlighting their equal place in the country ’ s aims around health , wellbeing , sustainable public access , climate change and nature recovery . This includes the Kent Downs , which covers 25 % of Kent and is a key land area for the county . A collection of enchanting landscapes , the Kent Downs is closely linked to tourism , the diverse rural economy , nature , health , wellbeing and even the water we drink ! It spans coastlines , farmland , woodland – a sprawling 900km2 in total . “ The landscape is there for everyone to enjoy , with opportunities around tourism and local economics , not to mention the health and wellbeing benefits ,” says National Landscapes . “ Kent has a unique biodiversity which is being enhanced , protected and highlighted to visitors as a reason to come .” www . insidekent . co . uk • 43