Samphire Hoe is a new part of Kent, United Kingdom, consisting of reclaimed land made from 4.9 million cubic metres of chalk marl dug to create the Channel Tunnel, deposited on the seaward side of the famous White Cliffs of Dover. It is accessible by the public via single-track tunnel controlled by traffic lights, which crosses over the Kent Coast railway line. Visitor facilities are provided including car parking, toilets and a cafe.
The new name for this new part of the United Kingdom was coined by Mrs Gillian Janaway, a retired English teacher from Dover, by way of a public competition. The name refers to Rock Samphire, a plant which used to be collected from neighbouring cliffs, and a 'hoe', meaning a spur of land.
The ecology of Samphire Hoe is very special and what is now chalk meadow-land is home to a number of nationally rare plant species including the Early Spider Orchid.[1]