Knockhimdown Hill

Hill, Mountain in Kent Canterbury

England

Knockhimdown Hill

European bison, Wildwood, Herne They have a close resemblance to their American cousin but are a separate species. Heaviest wild land animal in Europe. Historically, it could be found throughout western, central and south eastern Europe, but suffered wide scale extinction by 1920s. Currently, there are semi-wild herds in Eastern Europe and Russia following reintroductions — European bison, Wildwood, Herne Credit: pam fray

Knockhimdown Hill is a prominent geographical feature situated in the county of Kent, England. Despite its name, it is not an actual hill or mountain but rather a significant landmark with historical and cultural significance.

Located on the outskirts of the village of Knockholt, Knockhimdown Hill is a popular destination for hikers, nature enthusiasts, and locals alike. The hill offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, including the North Downs and the Weald, making it a fantastic spot for photography and picnicking.

Covered in lush greenery and dotted with vibrant wildflowers during the warmer months, Knockhimdown Hill is a haven for biodiversity. Its diverse flora and fauna attract a variety of wildlife, including butterflies, birds, and small mammals. The area is also home to several species of rare plants, making it an important site for conservation efforts.

The hill has a rich historical background, with evidence of human activity dating back to the Neolithic period. Archaeological excavations have revealed ancient burial mounds and remnants of a Roman villa, indicating that the area was inhabited centuries ago. Today, visitors can explore the remnants of these ancient structures and gain insight into the region's past.

Knockhimdown Hill is easily accessible via a network of footpaths and bridleways, allowing visitors to explore the surrounding countryside and enjoy the beautiful scenery. The area is well-maintained, with picnic areas and benches available for visitors to relax and soak in the tranquil atmosphere. Whether one is seeking a peaceful retreat or an adventure in nature, Knockhimdown Hill offers a delightful experience for all.

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Knockhimdown Hill Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.337366/1.0936194 or Grid Reference TR1564. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

European bison, Wildwood, Herne

They have a close resemblance to their American cousin but are a separate species. Heaviest wild land animal in Europe. Historically, it could be found throughout western, central and south eastern Europe, but suffered wide scale extinction by 1920s. Currently, there are semi-wild herds in Eastern Europe and Russia following reintroductions

pam fray

Fallow deer, Wildwood, Herne

Introduced to Britain by the Roman Empire, but again later on by the Normans in the 11th century. Originally they were kept in deer parks for entertainment purposes, however once popularity of the species declined, interest also declined and there were a number of escapees. Although not technically native, they are regarded as naturalised in the UK and are now widespread.

pam fray

Bear Bridge, Wildwood, Herne

Bridge over the bear enclosure. Wildwood is home to two European brown bears called Fluff and Scruff. They arrived in November 2014 after being rescued from a shocking life in Bulgaria. They were born at a brown bear breeding centre, bred to be hunted. They lived their entire lives there, in barren, small, concrete pits until the centre was abandoned. They were severely underweight, and showing signs of serious stress, anxiety and psychological trauma. Their rescue was possible due to Wildwood’s fantastic supporters who helped to raise £50,000 to bring them to the park. Here they live in a spacious woodland home, with inside denning areas. For the first time in their lives, Fluff and Scruff entered torpor (a form of semi hibernation) in 2015, a crucial natural behaviour that they had never had the opportunity to undergo before.

pam fray

Part of the bear enclosure, Wildwood, Herne

Wildwood is home to two European brown bears called Fluff and Scruff. They arrived in November 2014 after being rescued from a shocking life in Bulgaria. They were born at a brown bear breeding centre, bred to be hunted. They lived their entire lives there, in barren, small, concrete pits until the centre was abandoned. They were severely underweight, and showing signs of serious stress, anxiety and psychological trauma. Their rescue was possible due to Wildwood’s fantastic supporters who helped to raise £50,000 to bring them to the park. Here they live in a spacious woodland home, with inside denning areas. For the first time in their lives, Fluff and Scruff entered torpor (a form of semi hibernation) in 2015, a crucial natural behaviour that they had never had the opportunity to undergo before.

pam fray

A soay sheep, Wildwood, Herne

Small, hardy breed of domestic sheep. Normally brown in colour with lighter faces, underside and rumps. Descended from a population of feral sheep found on the Scottish Island of Soay. Have since been transported to other UK islands and mainland UK. They shed their wool naturally so there is no need for shearing.

pam fray

Molehill Road

The footpath on the left here has been re-routed compared to the OS Map.

Marathon

View from Molehill Road

The A299 Thanet Way is on the other side of the hedge on the right hand side of the field.

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View from the entrance to Red House Farm

The houses in the distance are at Greenhill which is a suburb of Herne Bay to the south of the A299.

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House at Great Ruckinge Farm

This attractive house can be seen from Thornden Wood Road.

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Track at Warren Farm

This track leads off Thornden Wood Road. Warren Farm is on the left.

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Former car park in Thornden Wood

Street view of July 2009 for Thornden Wood Road shows this as a very small car park but as can be seen, it has now been closed off.

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Thornden Wood Road through Thornden Wood

This is looking south from the entrance to the West Blean & Thornden Woods Car Park.

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Spider web, Wildwood, Herne

Wildwood is a native species conservation charity established in 2002 to push the boundaries of innovative conservation and rewilding. Its aim is to halt the extinction of species and to create resilient habitats for nature to thrive.

pam fray

Arctic fox, Wildwood, Herne

Viewed from the walkway above the enclosure. The coat of the arctic fox changes colour with the season. In the summer, their coats are brown or black. They then turn white in winter. There are two adults at Wildwood, named Albert and Flo. Arctic foxes were present in the UK at the time of the last Ice Age.

pam fray

Wildwood, Herne

Fallow deer resting in the sunshine.

pam fray

Field next to Molehill Road

The A299 (Thanet Way) is just out of sight to the right of the photograph so it is quite noisy here.

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Molehill Road

The footpath on the left here, opposite the pole, leading to Maydowns Road has been re-routed compared to the OS Map which shows it starting further around the bend.

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Footpath from Molehill Road

The footpath here which leads to Maydowns Road has been re-routed compared to the OS Map which shows it starting from Molehill Road further to the east.

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Knockhimdown Hill is located at Grid Ref: TR1564 (Lat: 51.337366, Lng: 1.0936194)

Administrative County: Kent

District: Canterbury

Police Authority: Kent