スマーデンの天然記念物・トップ4

The community of Lenham commemorates the dead of the Second World War with a horizontal stone cross.

A relatively modern chalk symbol sculpted in the hillside

The attentive hiker or pilgrim has repeatedly encountered a wide variety of types of crosses on his way: made of stone (often granite) or wood, with or without the body of the crucified Christ, artistically decorated or deliberately kept simple, towering high and thus dominating the surroundings from afar or rather smaller... This hiking highlight, however, is sure to take a top spot in the ranking of the most unusual crosses. It does not tower up, but is quite the opposite, cut into the ground so that the light background of this lying monument stands out clearly from the surrounding green of the lawn. The basic idea of such a design - known in technical jargon as geoglyps - is similar to the "Nazca Lines" in South America, which are thousands of years older; or, to give a much closer example, the "White Horse" on Uffington Hill (see https://www.komoot.com/de-de/highlight/283565 ). The sad reason for its construction is to commemorate the victims of the First World War.

Rich in flora and fauna, this important reserve contains Kent's last four valley bogs and one of its few remaining fragments of open heath.

Great views down to Lenham and beyond.

The 58m high chalk cross is situated on the Pilgrim's Way, on the slopes of the ridge above the A20. It is an eye-catching design cut into the hillside, forming a striking image against the green fields surrounding it. In 1922 a collection was held to build a memorial for the 42 men who died during the first world war. The cross was designed by Mr C.H.Groom, headmaster of the village school. There was also a granite stone with the names of the men, which was moved to the churchyard in 1977. The eye catching cross was a problem during the second world war, and was filled in during that time to prevent the Luftwafte using it to navigate.

The garden opened in 1999 and was designed by Christopher Carter on the site of Lady Baillie's original aviary and is Mediterranean in style.

A great place to reflect on the price of Freedom