Dear UNESCO,

I would like to thank you for considering the Cross-Channel/Transmanche Geopark. This is an amazing project that has already brought about so much good. I write to you as both a North Downs Ambassador and a Geopark Ambassador. As part of this role I am more than happy to express my support for the proposed Geopark.

One could, no doubt, raise the many geological, environmental, historical, educational and — dare I say — commercial reasons for supporting this project and helping it thrive. These are, of course, all excellent. My letter of support, however, is a more personal one.

At a time in my life when I have just lost both of my parents and have two young children of my own. Now much of my time recently has been spent reflecting on life itself — past, present and future.

A Link to the Past 

I was fortunate enough to be raised by loving parents in the 1980s, with the North Downs almost on my doorstep in Strood. Just a short walk away — no more than 90 seconds — there was an alleyway that led to what we all know as Cobham Woods. During the 1980s, nothing was open on a Sunday, which meant two things: both my parents were at home, and we had to make our own entertainment and leisure. Most of the time, this meant going for a walk in the woods — either a circular route or a more linear one to nearby Cobham or Meopham. Chestnuts would be picked in the autumn, and on the higher ground we could see some fantastic views across the Medway Valley.

I have so many happy memories of this whole area — from frosty Scout camps to bluebell walks with my grandad before school. It was only when I reached adulthood and saw more of the world that I realised how lucky I was to have such a beautiful and diverse location literally on my doorstep. As a child, I assumed every town had woodland and chalk grassland nearby.

Fast forward four decades to the Covid pandemic, when both of my parents were diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. Along with the social distancing rules, this whole area provided solitude and a place to meet safely when we needed it most. In such difficult times, I look back with the fondest memories. Swapping yeast and flour in the car park, before taking an hour or two’s walk with my whole family together. Once again, we were all so grateful that this beautiful landscape existed and continued to thrive in such challenging times.

More recently, with both of my parents now passed and a family home to clear and sell, I find myself back in Strood on a weekly basis. In such times, nature provides both hope and solace. I recently took a 20 km circular walk from Strood through Cobham Woods, Cobham and Luddesdown, and back home again, where I was able to see nature in its autumnal splendour.

A lot of things aren’t quite as I remember them, but this area has actually improved thanks to the hard work of stakeholders such as the Kent Downs and the National Trust. The dirt bikes — and André the Hermit and his smallholding in the woods — are now just distant memories. In their place are accessible tracks and well signposted routes, with a large herd of Highland cattle browsing the woodland (I didn’t tell them they tasted good!).

The Darnley Mausoleum, which inspired many great ghost stories amongst my schoolfriends (it was never used!) and served as a popular destination for illegal raves in the 1990s, has now been preserved by the National Trust as a brilliant waypoint in these woods. On my walk on a damp November day, it was wonderful to see others enjoying this place too — photographers, hikers, runners and home-schoolers. For many, it is a place of solitude and a chance to find one’s place within nature.

Hope for the future

As someone who enjoys and works in the outdoors, these memories could relate to any number of places in the Kent Downs. A unique set of geological circumstances formed them. While an equally unique set of circumstances has shaped how they look today. By creating the Geopark, we will not only help protect this landscape for the future, but also help it thrive.

In a time of such uncertainty and false idols, let us embrace the things that truly matter. The landscape that I am proud to call home is one such thing — and it deserves to be celebrated now and for centuries to come.

Kind regards

Scott Ryan

Geopark Ambassador

Cross-Channel Geopark