Experience the Kent Downs

It is an unusual fact that one of the UK’s most popular dishes actually hails from exotic, incredible India! But have you ever tasted an authentic Indian meal? Soft, warm Indian bread or chapatis dipped into a hearty lentil dahl or perhaps you'd like to try a sumptuous stuffed chapati? 

The art of making chapatis over the fire has now almost disappeared from India itself with modern gas and electric stoves replacing the traditional clay oven (chulha). So what a better way to revive this uncommon art of open fire cooking than by bringing it into our beautiful, ancient woodlands.

You will roll and make your very own chapatis (simple or stuffed) using a traditional Indian tava (hot iron pan). If you'd prefer, you could have a go at making the filling for a stuffed chappati - choose from spiced potatoes or grated cauliflower. Once cooked, you can enjoy a traditional Indian meal around a campfire and enjoy the ambience of the woodland.

Throughout the year there is an opportunity to create your own forest crown; you will be shown the basic technique and given guidance about selecting materials that will work best - but you will be free to be as creative as you like. 

The forest crowns are great for festivals or for a summer party. Once you have learnt the technique you can use the same principle for wedding flower crowns or garlands for any season as well as dried flowers! This experience not only allows you to spend time in the beautiful Kent woodlands but also gives you a skill for life.

Fancy something to feel festive? 

Throughout the festive season we will also be offering a Festive woodland wreath making experience, which includes spending time around the fire and drinking hot spiced apple or something mulled for the adults. It is the perfect experience to get that festive feeling and to spend time outdoors, visit a twelfth century church in Bicknor or simply spend time mindfully exploring and enjoying Gorham & Admiral Woods.