Exploring The Outdoors in Ashford, Kent

You’ll find some beautiful places to explore outdoors in the Ashford area. We’ve listed a number of the most popular and easily accessible locations for you to visit and enjoy where you’ll be surrounded by beautiful trees and fresh air.

The Thanet Way Cycle Route

This is an easy cycle route, suitable for all ages and abilities with shorter stretches of road so it can be used by families with children.

The route travels through the heart of Ashford, along roads which are lightly trafficked and safe for cyclists. You’ll also enjoy beautiful views over the Kent countryside as you head towards Stour Valley. You’ll be surrounded by plenty of greenery, trees and foliage such as Lavender, Meadowsweet and Milkwort.

Bedgebury Forest

The forest is owned by the Forestry Commission but it’s open to everyone to explore. You’ll find plenty of activities you can do here which include biking trails, orienteering routes and walks.

This is one of the major planting areas for Ashford borough, so it’s always beautiful to visit. The forest has over 200 acres of free-to-access woodland, with plenty of trails to follow. There are also picnic areas and cafés where you can sit down after your walk. You can learn more about the different locations in Bedgebury Forest by visiting the following website: https://www.forestryengland.uk/bedgebury

Paddock Wood

Another popular place to visit is Paddock Wood. In Paddock Wood, you’ll find all sorts of things to do. It’s a great place to take the kids and you can see all the farm animals in their daily routines.

You’ll find plenty of cafés, tea rooms and pubs in Paddock Wood. For your information, there are over 50 pubs in Paddock Wood so there is always one near you when you need it!

Most of importantly and what we care about is the different tree species you’ll encounter here. You will find Oak, Willow, Maple, Lime and Horse Chestnut trees which are native to Paddock Wood.

Hothfield Heath

This area is one of the largest areas of open space in Ashford and is perfect for walks, picnics and other activities such as kite-flying. There are plenty of trails to follow through the Grove and elsewhere so it’s a great location to explore. You may even be able to spot some local wildlife!

Trees, Foliage & Wildlife

At each of these locations you can expect to find some of the following tree and wildlife species:

• Champion Trees – some of the notable Champion trees found in Ashford include a Norway Maple at Hothfield Heath which is thought to be around 260 years old and a lime tree near the Water Station at Bedgebury Forest which is around 200 years old.
• Birds – some of the birds that you may be able to spot include blackbirds, woodpeckers, blue tits and great spotted woodpeckers. You may even be lucky enough to see a red kite!
• Fungi – there are over200 species of fungi recorded in the Ashford area, so there’s no doubt that you’ll be able to spot some interesting fungi when you’re out exploring.
• Animals – animals that you may see while visiting these areas include squirrels, foxes, rabbits and deer.
• Wildflowers – there are around 73 species of wild flowers in Ashford Borough. Keep an eye out for bluebells, daffodils and celandines along your walk!