# Kent Ramblers: Walk 10
## Cudham And Christmas Tree Farm

![](https://www.kentramblers.org.uk/KentWalks/public/images/banner_001.jpg)

## Points of Interest

### Downe Bank Nature Reserve

![](https://www.kentramblers.org.uk/KentWalks/public/images/P001a.gif)

Home to nine species of wild orchid, this spot was 
						called Orchis Bank by Charles Darwin who wrote a major 
						book on the astonishing variety of ways in which
						different orchids exploit insects to ensure 
						pollination. 
						The Bank may also be the inspiration for the 
						reference in 
						Origin of Species to 'an entangled bank, clothed 
						with plants of many kinds, with birds singing on the 
						bushes, with various insects flitting about and with 
						worms crawling''.

### Down House

![](https://www.kentramblers.org.uk/KentWalks/public/images/P001a.jpg)

Home of Charles Darwin from 
						1842 to his death in 1882. He wrote On the Origin of 
						Species here. The house is run by English Heritage and 
						is well worth a visit, despite the cost of '14.50 per 
						adult (booked in advance). The audio tour is 
						particularly interesting.
						Normally open from Wednesday 
						to Sunday, from 10am until 3pm; weekends only in winter. 
						There is a tea-room. Check latest visitor information at
						
						www.englishheritage.org.uk.

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