If you want to know more about the rich history of Blean woods, then read this article. You will discover how the area became famous for its woodpeckers, tree creepers, nuthatches, bullfinches, spotted flycatchers, nightingales, and more. While you are exploring the woods, you will hear the call of nightjars and see swooping moths. The Big Blean Walk was created to help promote the area. It is part of the North Downs Way and Route One of the National Cycle Network.
The Big Blean Walk promotes The Blean
Nearly all of the woodland in the Blean complex is ancient, and the area has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest, with over half designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). A series of waymarked trails provide opportunities to explore the area’s rich wildlife and natural history. The Big Blean Walk is a 25-mile circular walk through The entire woodland complex. It features 18 new interpretive panels that explain the area’s history and conservation.
The woods cover 11 square miles and feature oak and sweet chestnut trees and provide a variety of timber products. The woodland was spared during the industrial revolution, although a small area was cleared for farming. But today, The Big Blean Walk promotes The woods’ history, and the area is one of the UK’s most iconic examples of ancient lowland woodland. While the woodland area is now mostly used for farming, it still contains some unique and fascinating features.
The Big Blean Walk is funded by Heritage Lottery
The woodland in the Blean Woods is almost entirely ancient and is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest. The landscape and woodland cover are also nationally important, with approximately half of the area designated as a Special Area of Conservation. There are several well-marked waymarked trails throughout the complex, including the new 25-mile Big Blean Walk. The walk includes 18 new interpretive panels that help visitors learn more about nature and history while on a walk through The Blean Woods.
The Big Blean Walk is part of a conservation project aimed at conserving the area. The Big Blean Walk was developed by the Kentish Stour Countryside Partnership, which is part of the Blean Initiative, a coalition of landowners, conservation bodies, and local authorities. Funding for the project is provided by the Heritage Lottery and the Kent Wildlife Trust. The Big Blean Walk is free to visitors and accompanies all walks, unless otherwise stated.
The Big Blean Walk is part of Route One of the National Cycle Network
The Big Blean Walk, a popular cycling route in Kent, explores the ancient forest of Blean Woods north of Canterbury. This route follows the National Cycle Network’s Route One, and is mostly flat with some off-road sections. It offers plenty of wildlife-spotting opportunities, and has many interpretive panels describing the forest’s history. The area is also home to some of the largest ancient broadleaved trees in southern Britain.
The Big Blean Walk starts in the village of North Kessock, and follows National Cycle Network Route 1 down to the seafront. The route is very popular with cyclists, and you’ll be able to take your bike on the designated path alongside the A9 to reach the pier in the village of Littleburn. After cycling through the village, the route will take you to Spittal Wood, and back through Littleburn.
The Big Blean Walk is part of the North Downs Way
If you are looking for an adventure, the Big Blean Walk in Kent can be an excellent choice. This walk takes you through Blean Woods, which is one of the largest broadleaf woodlands in Britain. You’ll have the opportunity to observe a range of wildlife while taking a stroll through the woods. You’ll also have the opportunity to take part in the Great Stour Way and Crab and Winkle Way trails.
One of the most popular parts of the walk is the Lenham memorial cross. Local villagers made this cross in 1922 to remember the 42 locals who fell in the First World War. During the Second World War, the cross was covered with grass to make it easier for enemy aircraft to find their way to the area. During this time, fourteen more names were added to the war memorial.