North Downs facts for kids

Quick facts for kids North Downs
The North Downs near Folkestone
Location	England
Governing body	Kent Downs AONB, Surrey Hills AONB

The North Downs are a long ridge of chalk hills in southeast England. They stretch all the way from Farnham in Surrey to the famous White Cliffs of Dover in Kent. Imagine a giant natural rollercoaster made of chalk!

The highest point in London is actually found here. It's called Westerham Heights, and it's near Bromley. This spot reaches about 245 meters (804 feet) high. The North Downs are so special that parts of them are protected as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs). These are the Surrey Hills and the Kent Downs.

What are the North Downs?

The North Downs are mainly made of chalk. Chalk is a soft, white type of rock. It formed from the tiny shells of sea creatures millions of years ago. This makes the soil here very unique.

Because of the chalk, the landscape has gentle slopes. You can find many dry valleys here. These are valleys that were carved by water long ago but now have no rivers.

Where are the North Downs?

These hills run across two English counties: Surrey and Kent. They form a natural barrier. To the north, you have the busy areas of London. To the south, you can see the Weald, which is a wide, open countryside.

The North Downs are a great place for views. From many spots, you can look out over the landscape. You might even see vineyards growing on the sunny slopes.

Exploring the North Downs Way

One of the best ways to experience the North Downs is by walking the North Downs Way. This is a special long-distance path. It follows the ridge of the hills from Farnham all the way to Dover.

The trail is perfect for hikers and nature lovers. You can walk through woodlands, open fields, and past historic sites. It's a fantastic way to explore the natural beauty of the area.

Nature and Wildlife

The chalky soil of the North Downs creates a special home for many plants and animals. You can find rare wildflowers here. These include beautiful lady orchids and carpets of bluebells in spring.

The woodlands are home to various birds and insects. Keep an eye out for butterflies fluttering among the flowers. The protected areas help to keep these habitats safe.

History and Landmarks

The North Downs have a long history. People have lived here for thousands of years. You can find ancient sites scattered across the landscape.

One famous example is Kit's Coty House. This is a very old stone monument. It was built around 4000 BCE. It shows that people were living and building here a very long time ago. The hills also have old quarries. These show where chalk was once dug out of the ground.

Images for kids

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  View from North Downs towards Reigate

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  The exposed chalk workings of the former Betchworth Quarry on the south-facing scarp slope of Box Hill.

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  Lady orchids growing in calcaerous woodland and scrub, Denge Wood.

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  Kit's Coty House, a chambered long barrow near Aylesford, Kent, was constructed circa 4000 BCE.

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  Looking east across Denbies Wine Estate towards Box Hill near Dorking, Surrey.

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  The North Downs at the Wye Downs National Nature Reserve

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  The North Downs above Hollingbourne.

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  A marker on the North Downs Way, Ranscombe Farm, Cuxton, Kent

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  Bluebells at Ranscombe Farm

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  Looking East, typical downland scenery in the Medway Gap, Ranscombe Farm

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  A dry valley on the dip slope of the North Downs near Hucking

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  Woodland on the North Downs at the Hucking Estate

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  Typical chalk downland trail near Hollingbourne

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  A modern metal trail marker near Harrietsham

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  A view South across the Kent Weald from the North Downs Way near Detling