DAYSOUT
FOREST FROLICS
THERE ’ S NOTHING QUITE LIKE EXPLORING AMONGST THE TREES AND , LUCKILY FOR KENT RESIDENTS , THERE ARE OVER 45,000 HECTARES OF WOODLAND TO DISCOVER ACROSS THE COUNTY . FROM LOWLAND BEECH TO SWEET CHESTNUT COPPICE , WE CAN THANK OUR WOODS FOR PROVIDING CRUCIAL WILDLIFE HABITATS , FILTERING THE VERY AIR WE BREATHE AND IMPROVING OUR OVERALL WELLBEING . FROM STRENGTHENED IMMUNE SYSTEMS TO IMPROVED METABOLIC HEALTH AND REDUCED STRESS RESPONSES , TIME SPENT AMIDST THE TREES IS - QUITE LITERALLY - HEALING .
From forest yoga to geocoaching and cooking in the wild , we ’ ve collated the very best activities for families and friends to enjoy a great day out within Kent ’ s wonderful woodlands .
Walking Trails at Shorne Woods Country Park , Gravesend kent . gov . uk
With 292 acres to explore , Shorne Woods is one of Kent ’ s most beautiful tree-topped landscapes , filled with fishing lakes , cycle paths and waymarked trails for both ramblers and runners to enjoy . With rolling woodlands , wetlands and meadows to venture across , why not take the scenic route through one of the county ’ s most beautiful stretches ?
At Shorne Woods , visitors will find an eco-friendly visitor centre and cafe serving delicious hot meals , freshly ground coffee and snacks . After fueling up for the day ahead , walkers can explore the park ’ s stunning habitats , with wildflowers and bluebells in spring , as well as dragonflies on the lake . For wheelchair users and those with buggies , the park has two miles of accessible routes to wander through . Once part of the medieval Cobham Hall Estate and an army camp during World War
II , Shorne Woods takes pride in preserving the beauty of the park , retaining its Green Flag Award since 2008 . Open from 9am till dusk , Shorne Woods Country Park is a great place to spend a day out adventuring .
Goat Walk with Wild Woodland Retreat , Elham wildwoodlandretreat . co . uk
Since not everyone has a fourlegged friend to take with them on walks , why not adopt one for 90 minutes at Wild Woodland Retreat ? Situated on a beautiful farm in the village of Elham , Wild Woodland Retreat is home to Mark and Hannah Terry , who live on its grounds with their two children . Having kept the farm in their family for three generations , they built two cosy shepherd ’ s huts in 2015 to welcome visitors to Hawes Farm , and even more excited to welcome guests were their eight goats who loved to walk alongside them - and so , goat walks were born !
Bookable as private experiences for small groups , Wild Woodland Retreat ’ s goat walks are a fun break from the mundane set along the charming backdrop of Elham ’ s lush woodland . Beginning with an introduction to the goats and sheep , walkers then lead the goats down towards the valley where they ’ re met with picturesque views , wildflowers and various birds including skylarks and buzzards . A leisurely stroll with the goats stopping for nibbles along the way , each walk concludes with a stop back in their field to relax and give them a brush . From cheeky to chilled , each goat within Hawes Farm ’ s herd has its own personality , and after bonding with such characterful animals , visitors will find themselves wanting to rebook this experience as often as possible .
Forest Bathing in the West Blean & Thornden Woods , Sturry kentwildlifetrust . org . uk
Inspired by shinrin-yoku , the Japanese practice of forest bathing , Kent Wildlife Trust have brought weekend wellness to the Kentish woodland with a range of guided meditative walks to soothe your body , mind and soul . A chance to reconnect with the natural world through your core senses , forest bathing is an opportunity to truly immerse yourself in the natural world . With the aim of awakening your senses , learning about the healing effects of nature and connecting with yourself on a deeper level , visitors are guided through the Thornden Woods by Louise from Kent Wildlife Trust ’ s wellbeing team .
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