Exploring the Glorious English Countryside on London’s Doorstep

Join us for a journey through the North Downs, the magnificent range of hills stretching from the White Cliffs of Dover in Kent to Surrey
About this Event

Discover some of England's most beautiful countryside - remarkably close to London. Join us for a journey through the North Downs, the magnificent range of hills stretching from the White Cliffs of Dover in Kent to Farnham in Surrey.

For generations, the North Downs have provided Londoners with an escape into the countryside. Despite the growth of London and the towns surrounding the Downs, large areas remain wonderfully unspoilt, with ancient woodland, rolling farmland, chalk grasslands, picturesque villages and spectacular views across the Surrey and Kent countryside.

Drawing on his book North Downs Landscapes: Exploring the Glorious English Countryside on London’s Doorstep, Doug will take us on a visual journey beginning at the White Cliffs of Dover, travelling through the Kent countryside and across the River Medway at historic Rochester, before continuing through the wooded ridges around Sevenoaks and into Surrey.

Our journey will take in the River Mole, Leith Hill, Guildford and the River Wey, before crossing the famous Hog’s Back towards Farnham.

Along the way, Doug will explore the history, geography, geology, wildlife and ecology that have shaped this remarkable landscape.

Beautifully illustrated throughout with Doug’s own photography, this is an opportunity to discover — or rediscover — an extraordinary part of England that lies virtually on London’s doorstep.

Our speaker, Doug Kennedy is a photographer, ecologist, environmental campaigner and author with a lifelong passion for exploring and protecting the British countryside.

An experienced landscape and wildlife photographer, Doug has produced seven books on English landscapes and natural history. His work combines striking photography with his extensive knowledge of the natural environment, bringing landscapes to life through their wildlife, history, geology and ecology.

Doug holds an M.Sc. in Environmental Studies and is also a committed conservation campaigner. He has initiated a number of successful environmental campaigns, including the Chalk Streams Action Group and Save the River Thame. He continues to take an active role in monitoring wildlife and surveying butterflies.

His illustrated talks draw upon his travels and explorations of both well-known and little-visited parts of Britain. Informative and accessible, they are accompanied by an extensive collection of Doug’s own photography.

Expect wonderful images, fascinating stories and plenty of inspiration for exploring the glorious countryside just beyond London.