The Channel Tunnel celebrated a birthday this week, but what happened to the 4.9 million cubic metres of chalk marl that was dug out to create it? Well on the English side it was put at the base of Shakespeare’s Cliff just outside Dover to create a new piece of land covering some 30 hectares. The Hoe itself was named after rock samphire, which was known to Shakespeare and is in fact mentioned in his play King Lear, ‘half way down hangs one that gathers samphire, dreadful trade’.

The whole area was made into a coastal country park that is jointly owned by Eurotunnel and the White Cliffs Countryside Partnership. This stunning location has something for everyone and most of it is now accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs, with a recommended path that is signposted.

The further you go from the carpark the wilder it gets as wildflowers and grasses were originally sown over about half the park, with the remainder left to develop naturally. As a result over the passing years it is now possible to find in the spring and early summer months a plethora of spider, common and spotted orchids alongside a wealth of other plants. The last count in 2013 recorded over 200 species of plants and over 30 species of butterflies alone. The grassland has now developed to a stage that cows and sheep can graze on it.

This new habitat has attracted plenty of wildlife too, with butterflies, ground nesting skylarks and meadow pipits, and the bushes have seen stonechats all being noted. And if you have sharp eyes and are very lucky you can even spot peregrine falcons hunting above on the cliffs.

Surrounding by over a mile of sea wall there is also plenty of opportunity for anglers to try their hand at sea-fishing, with day and season tickets available.

There is a small shop offering refreshments and information, and there are guided walks, children’s events and even a 5km run held throughout the year.

Its success is shown by the fact that it has been recently honoured for the ninth year in a row gaining a Green flag award in recognition of its conservation efforts and inclusive involvement programs.

So we have a new award winning nature park to enjoy, but what did the French do with the spoil from there end of the tunnel? Well that piled it up into a new hill. Think we got the better part of that one. So if you are in the area on your travels, it is well worth visiting.