DOCSLIB.ORG

Medway Valley Strategic Landscape Enhancement Plan

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Medway Valley Strategic Landscape Enhancement Plan MEDWAY VALLEY STRATEGIC LANDSCAPE ENHANCEMENT PLAN FINAL REPORT March 2015 Prepared by Fiona Fyfe Associates for Kent County Council MEDWAY VALLEY STRATEGIC LANDSCAPE ENHANCEMENT PLAN PART 1: INTRODUCTION Contents Page PART 1: Introduction 3 PART 2: Evidence Base 11 Acknowledgements PART 3: Opportunities 25 The author would like to thank Robin Lines of Biodiversity 26 Robin Lines Landscape for his help with the The historic environment 28 fieldwork and public consultation, and for Farming and land management 30 preparing the rendered drawings and sketches Recreation and access 32 contained in this report. Recent and Future Development34 Thanks are also due to the client team APPENDICES 37 (specifically Ruth Childs at Kent County Council), and to the many organisations and individuals Consultees 38 who have contributed to the consultation. References and sources of All photographs (except p. 9) by Fiona Fyfe. further information 39 FIONA FYFE ASSOCIATES, March 2015 2 MEDWAY VALLEY STRATEGIC LANDSCAPE ENHANCEMENT PLAN PART 1: INTRODUCTION Part 1: INTRODUCTION View west across the Medway valley towards Nettlestead 3 FIONA FYFE ASSOCIATES, March 2015 MEDWAY VALLEY STRATEGIC LANDSCAPE ENHANCEMENT PLAN PART 1: INTRODUCTION Commissioning and Brief The Study Area Methodology and Stakeholder Engagement This project was commissioned in December The Study Area is shown in the map below. It is The project comprised four key stages of work: 2014 by Kent County Council. It has been focussed on the river Medway between the M20 1) Desk studies (reviewing mapped information prepared by Fiona Fyfe Associates between bridge crossing near Allington (the northernmost and relevant documents); 2) field work January and March 2015. The project brief point), and Beltring Station (the southernmost (spending several days in the study area, contains the following ‘Vision’ for the Strategic point). The Study Area is within Maidstone recording observations and taking photographs); Landscape Enhancement Plan (SLEP): The SLEP District, and in places the study area boundary 3) writing- up (creating and compiling text, will use landscape as the common thread to tie follows the District boundary. maps, illustrations and photographs) to form together cross-disciplinary aspirations and aims. this report, and 4) stakeholder engagement. It will act to cement, by knitting together Some recommendations (for example those disparate plans (e.g. Green Infrastructure relating to land management) are relevant to Stakeholder engagement has been a key part of Strategies, Local Plans etc.) which exist for an land which lies outside the formal study area, this project, and has taken place early in the area, by generating clear and practical measures but which nevertheless has a strong visual project in order to influence the direction and which can be realised... connection with the study area, and influences content of the SLEP. Public consultation took its landscape character and sense of place. the form of questionnaires which enabled Format of the Medway Valley SLEP people to describe what makes the Medway This SLEP is in the three parts. The first part valley special to them, their concerns about its (Introduction) describes the study area’s landscape, and their favourite views. These location, and provides a summary of its questionnaires were completed by members of landscape history, key features and designated the public at a drop-in session at Wateringbury sites. The second part (Evidence Base) Village Hall arranged through Parish Councils, summarises the key documents which are and throughout the fieldwork. Consultation also relevant to the landscape management of the took place with Local Authority staff, and area, and also sets out the findings of the public representatives of a variety of organisations consultation exercise undertaken at the start of engaged with the Medway Valley, including the project. The third part (Opportunities for planning officers, historic environment officers, Enhancement) presents concerns and the Environment Agency, Wildlife Trusts, opportunities for landscape enhancement in a canoeists, flooding and drainage officers and The Study Area series of themes. The Appendices provide a list access and rights of way officers. of consultees, references and sources of further information. FIONA FYFE ASSOCIATES, March 2015 4 MEDWAY VALLEY STRATEGIC LANDSCAPE ENHANCEMENT PLAN PART 1: INTRODUCTION Short History of the Medway Valley Landscape Prehistory and the Roman Period their construction. There are also Roman roads Geology and Topography Evidence suggests use of local river valleys as and cemetery sites within the study area. The river Medway and its tributaries rise as a trading routes in the Bronze Age, with series of springs in the mudstone (clay) geology associated settlement and activity. Further The Medieval Period of the High and Low Weald. This geology evidence suggests that the river Medway was The study area is rich in surviving medieval extends into the southern part of the study area made navigable (at least as far as Teston) in structures, many of which remain in use. The around Yalding, with its wide valley floor and Roman times, in order to export ragstone from most well-known examples are the ragstone clay soils. For the majority of the study area, the local quarries by ship. A Roman shipwreck with bridges across the Medway at East Farleigh, Medway flows through Lower Greensand rocks. a cargo of Kentish ragstone was found near Teston and Yalding. There are numerous Greensand is a distinctive form of limestone Blackfriars Bridge in London, and another medieval churches, some within villages, and with a grey-green colour which makes excellent possible Roman shipwreck site was recently others (e.g. Barming, Nettlestead and West building material, known locally as ‘ragstone’. found in the river Medway near East Farleigh. Farleigh) in isolated locations. Maidstone has Over millennia, the river Medway has cut historically been an ecclesiastical centre (the through the Greensand to create a relatively location of the Archbishop’s palace) and steep-sided valley with a narrow valley floor. monastic sites along the Medway are suggested in place names (e.g. Priory House). The river Medway is made navigable through the study area by a series of locks. Allington Lock (at the northernmost point of the study area) is the last lock when travelling downstream; beyond this point the river is tidal down to its mouth at Chatham. Probable Roman stones (possibly part-worked column bases) found in the river Medway near Teston bridge (above) Barming church (below) East Farleigh. There are known Roman ragstone quarry sites within or close to the study area, at Allington, Dean Street, Teston and Boughton Monchelsea. Roman villa sites have been found close by, suggesting that the villas accommodated the owners/ managers of these quarries. Several Allington Lock, looking downstream local churches contain re-used Roman stones in 5 FIONA FYFE ASSOCIATES, March 2015 MEDWAY VALLEY STRATEGIC LANDSCAPE ENHANCEMENT PLAN PART 1: INTRODUCTION The town of Maidstone was founded in the The following illustrations show the ruined medieval period, and the majority of villages and castle in the 19th Century, and the restored lanes within the study area would also have castle as seen from the river today. been established by c.1300. Maidstone, Kent by John Hardwicke Lewis, 1870. Gatehouse of Nettlestead Place Maidstone Museum and Bentlif Art Gallery Historic maps show many mills along the Medway and its tributaries, and many of these would have had Medieval origins. Allington Castle by Albert Goodwin, 1865. Maidstone Museum and Bentlif Art Gallery Allington Castle, at the northern end of the study area was originally a manor house, which was fortified in the 13th Century. It was subsequently enlarged into a country house, and was the home of the Wyatt family, including poet Thomas Wyatt. Henry VIII was a visitor to Allington, along with Ann Boleyn. The castle was damaged by fire in the 16th Century, and left as a ruin until 1905, when it was restored as a Yalding village, viewed from the Medieval bridge country house. It is surrounded by gardens and A particularly fine example of a medieval manor ancient woodland, but is not publicly accessible. house (with gatehouse) has survived at Nettlestead Place, overlooking the Medway Allington Castle from the east bank of the Valley south of Wateringbury. Medway FIONA FYFE ASSOCIATES, March 2015 6 MEDWAY VALLEY STRATEGIC LANDSCAPE ENHANCEMENT PLAN PART 1: INTRODUCTION The Post-Medieval period The post-medieval period saw many changes in the rural landscape which can still be seen in views today. Large estates comprising country houses surrounded by parkland were laid out in this attractive countryside located an easy carriage drive from London along newly- constructed turnpike roads. Hops were introduced into Britain in the early 16th Century and hop gardens (and their accompanying oast houses) quickly became a feature of the Kent landscape. Orchards also became an established part of the local agricultural economy. In 1823, William Cobbett travelled from Maidstone to Mereworth (along the route now known as the A26) and described it as follows: From Maidstone to...[Mereworth] is about seven miles, and these are the finest seven miles that I have ever seen in England or anywhere else. The Medway is to your left, with its meadows about a mile wide. You cross the Medway, in coming out of Maidstone, and it goes and finds its way down to Rochester, through a break in the chalk ridge. From Maidstone to Merryworth, I should think that there were hop- gardens on one half of the way on both sides of the 1797 Ordnance Survey map showing part of Cobbett’s route from Maidstone to Mereworth along the road. Then looking across the Medway, you see hop- Medway Valley gardens and orchards two miles deep, on the side of a gently rising ground: and this continues with you all the way from Maidstone to Merryworth. The orchards form a great feature of the country; and the plantations of ashes and of chestnuts that I mentioned before, add greatly to the beauty.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Flash Flood History Southeast and Coast Date and Sources
    Flash flood history Southeast and coast Hydrometric Rivers Tributaries Towns and Cities area 40 Cray Darent Medway Eden, Teise, Beult, Bourne Stour Gt Stour, Little Stour Rother Dudwell 41 Cuckmere Ouse Berern Stream, Uck, Shell Brook Adur Rother Arun, Kird, Lod Lavant Ems 42 Meon, Hamble Itchen Arle Test Dever, Anton, Wallop Brook, Blackwater Lymington 101 Median Yar Date and Rainfall Description sources Sept 1271 <Canterbury>: A violent rain fell suddenly on Canterbury so that the greater part of the city was suddenly Doe (2016) inundated and there was such swelling of the water that the crypt of the church and the cloisters of the (Hamilton monastery were filled with water’. ‘Trees and hedges were overthrown whereby to proceed was not possible 1848-49) either to men or horses and many were imperilled by the force of waters flowing in the streets and in the houses of citizens’. 20 May 1739 <Cobham>, Surrey: The greatest storm of thunder rain and hail ever known with hail larger than the biggest Derby marbles. Incredible damage done. Mercury 8 Aug 1877 3 Jun 1747 <Midhurst> Sussex: In a thunderstorm a bridge on the <<Arun>> was carried away. Water was several feet deep Gentlemans in the church and churchyard. Sheep were drowned and two men were killed by lightning. Mag 12 Jun 1748 <Addington Place> Surrey: A thunderstorm with hail affected Surrey (and <Chelmsford> Essex and Warwick). Gentlemans Hail was 7 inches in circumference. Great damage was done to windows and gardens. Mag 10 Jun 1750 <Sittingbourne>, Kent: Thunderstorm killed 17 sheep in one place and several others.
    [Show full text]
  • Letter C Introduction This Index Covers Volumes 110–112 and 114–120 Inclusive (1992–2000) of Archaeologia Cantiana, Volume 113 Being the Preceding General Index
    Archaeologia Cantiana - On-line Index 2012 GENERAL INDEX TO VOLUMES CX 1992 ( 110 ) to CXX 2000 ( 120 ) Letter C Introduction This index covers volumes 110–112 and 114–120 inclusive (1992–2000) of Archaeologia Cantiana, volume 113 being the preceding General Index. It includes all significant persons, places and subjects with the exception of books reviewed. Volume numbers are shown in bold type and illustrations are denoted by page numbers in italic type or by (illus.) where figures occur throughout the text. The letter n after a page number indicates that the reference will be found in a footnote and pull-out pages are referred to as f – facing. Alphabetisation is word by word. Women are indexed by their maiden name, where known, with cross references from any married name(s). All places within historic Kent are included and are arranged by civil parish. Places that fall within Greater London are to be found listed under their London Borough. Places outside Kent that play a significant part in the text are followed by their post 1974 county. Place names with two elements (e.g. East Peckham, Upper Hardres) will be found indexed under their full place name. T. G. LAWSON, Honorary Editor Kent Archaeological Society, February 2012 Abbreviations m. married Ald. Alderman E. Sussex East Sussex M.P. Member of Parliament b. born ed./eds. editor/editors Notts. Nottinghamshire B. & N.E.S. Bath and North East f facing Oxon. Oxfordshire Somerset fl. floruit P.M. Prime Minister Berks. Berkshire G. London Greater London Pembs. Pembrokeshire Bt. Baronet Gen. General Revd Reverend Bucks.
    [Show full text]
  • Richard Kilburne, a Topographie Or Survey of The
    Richard Kilburne A topographie or survey of the county of Kent London 1659 <frontispiece> <i> <sig A> A TOPOGRAPHIE, OR SURVEY OF THE COUNTY OF KENT. With some Chronological, Histori= call, and other matters touching the same: And the several Parishes and Places therein. By Richard Kilburne of Hawk= herst, Esquire. Nascimur partim Patriæ. LONDON, Printed by Thomas Mabb for Henry Atkinson, and are to be sold at his Shop at Staple-Inn-gate in Holborne, 1659. <ii> <blank> <iii> TO THE NOBILITY, GEN= TRY and COMMONALTY OF KENT. Right Honourable, &c. You are now presented with my larger Survey of Kent (pro= mised in my Epistle to my late brief Survey of the same) wherein (among severall things) (I hope conducible to the service of that Coun= ty, you will finde mention of some memorable acts done, and offices of emi= <iv> nent trust borne, by severall of your Ancestors, other remarkeable matters touching them, and the Places of Habitation, and Interment of ma= ny of them. For the ready finding whereof, I have added an Alphabeticall Table at the end of this Tract. My Obligation of Gratitude to that County (wherein I have had a comfortable sub= sistence for above Thirty five years last past, and for some of them had the Honour to serve the same) pressed me to this Taske (which be= ing finished) If it (in any sort) prove servicea= ble thereunto, I have what I aimed at; My humble request is; That if herein any thing be found (either by omission or alteration) substantially or otherwise different from my a= foresaid former Survey, you would be pleased to be informed, that the same happened by reason of further or better information (tend= ing to more certaine truths) than formerly I had.
    [Show full text]
  • A Guide to Parish Registers the Kent History and Library Centre
    A Guide to Parish Registers The Kent History and Library Centre Introduction This handlist includes details of original parish registers, bishops' transcripts and transcripts held at the Kent History and Library Centre and Canterbury Cathedral Archives. There is also a guide to the location of the original registers held at Medway Archives and Local Studies Centre and four other repositories holding registers for parishes that were formerly in Kent. This Guide lists parish names in alphabetical order and indicates where parish registers, bishops' transcripts and transcripts are held. Parish Registers The guide gives details of the christening, marriage and burial registers received to date. Full details of the individual registers will be found in the parish catalogues in the search room and community history area. The majority of these registers are available to view on microfilm. Many of the parish registers for the Canterbury diocese are now available on www.findmypast.co.uk access to which is free in all Kent libraries. Bishops’ Transcripts This Guide gives details of the Bishops’ Transcripts received to date. Full details of the individual registers will be found in the parish handlist in the search room and Community History area. The Bishops Transcripts for both Rochester and Canterbury diocese are held at the Kent History and Library Centre. Transcripts There is a separate guide to the transcripts available at the Kent History and Library Centre. These are mainly modern copies of register entries that have been donated to the
    [Show full text]
  • East Barming in 1798
    Hasted’s Kent East Barming in 1798 Edward Hasted, The history and topographical survey of the county of Kent, second edition, volume 4 (Canterbury, 1798), pages 383–92 EAST BARMING. CALLED in antient records, Bermelinge, lies the next parish to East Farleigh, on the opposite or north= ern side of the river Medway. THE PARISH of East Barming lies on high ground, declining southward to the valley, through which the river Medway flows, being its southern boundary. It is situated opposite to East Farleigh, than which it has a far less rustic and more ornamented appearance. 384 The soil like that is a fertile loam, slightly covering the quarry rock, from under which several small springs gush out, and run precipitately in trinkling rills into the Medway; it is enriched too with fre= quent hop and fruit plantations; the fields are in ge= neral larger, and surrounded with continued rows of lofty elms and large spreading oaks, which contribute greatly to the pleasantness of the place. The situation of it, as well as of the neighbouring parishes, from Maidstone as far as Mereworth, is exceedingly beau= tiful, the river Medway meandering its silver stream in the valley beneath, throughout the greatest part of the extent of them; the fertility of soil, the heal= thiness of air, the rich variety of prospect, adorned by a continued range of capital seats, with their parks and plantations, form altogether an assemblage of ob= jects, in which nature and art appear to have lavished their choicest endeavours, to form a scene teeming with whatever can make it desirable both for pleasure and profit.
    [Show full text]
  • Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2017 Ashford Borough
    ASHFORD BOROUGH COUNCIL EXAMINATION LIBRARY SD10 Ashford Borough Council INFRASTRUCTURE DELIVERY PLAN 2017 1 CONTENTS Introduction p3 Background and context p5 Prioritisation p7 Overview of Infrastructure p12 Theme 1: Transport p13 Theme 2: Education p24 Theme 3: Energy p28 Theme 4: Water p32 Theme 5: Health and Social Care p38 Theme 6: Community Facilities p43 Theme 7: Sport and Recreation p47 Theme 8: Green Infrastructure / Biodiversity p54 Theme 9: Waste and Recycling p64 Theme 10: Public Realm p66 Theme 11: Art and Cultural Industries p67 Appendix 1: Links to evidence and management plans Appendix 2: Examples of letters to stakeholders and providers Appendix 3 & 4: Responses from our requests for information Appendix 5: Liaison with key stakeholders Appendix 6: The growth scenarios tested 2 Introduction 1.1 This Infrastructure Plan has been produced by Ashford Borough Council (the Council). The Infrastructure Delivery Plan (IDP) provides: • background and context to key infrastructure that has been delivered recently or is in the process of being delivered, • an analysis of existing infrastructure provision, • stresses in the current provision, • what is needed to meet the existing and future needs and demands for the borough to support new development and a growing population, as envisaged through the Council’s emerging Local Plan 2030. 1.2 The IDP has been informed through discussion and consultation with relevant service providers operating in the Borough, alongside reviewing existing evidence and publications (such as management plans). 1.3 The IDP is supported by various appendices, as follows: • Appendix 1: Links to evidence and management plans – several stakeholders steered us towards their respective management plans and publications as a way of responding to our consultation and questions.
    [Show full text]
  • Draught Copy Distribution List
    Angel The Green Addington Poppy Fields St. Laurence Avenue Allington Bush Rochester Road Aylesford Chequers High Street Aylesford Lower Bell Old Chatham Road Aylesford Bull Tonbridge Road Barming Redstart North Street Barming Lion Of Kent Ashford Road Bearsted Oak on the Green The Green Bearsted White Horse The Green Bearsted Rose Ashford Bearsted Bull The Street Benenden Woolpack Benover Road Benover Red Lion High Street Biddenden Three Chimneys Hareplain Road Biddenden Nevill Bull Ryarsh Road Birling Beer Barn Sutton Road Boughton Monchelsea Cock Heath Road Boughton Monchelsea Mulberry Tree Hermitage Lane Boughton Monchelsea Kings Arms The Street Boxley Lord Raglan Chart Hill Road Chart Sutton George Hotel Stone Street Cranbrook White Horse Carriers Road Cranbrook Bull Lower Road East Farleigh Horseshoes Dean St East Farleigh Tickled Trout Lower Road East Farleigh Walnut Tree Forge Lane East Farleigh King & Queen New Road East Malling Rising Sun Mill Street East Malling Bush, Blackbird and Thrush Bush Road East Peckham Bell & Jorrocks Biddenden Road Frttenden Goudhurst Inn Cranbrook Road Goudhurst Star & Eagle High Street Goudhurst Vine High Street Goudhurst Kings Head Headcorn Road Grafty Green Who'd A Thought It Headcorn Road Grafty Green Early Bird Grove Green Centre Grove Green Fox & Goose Weavering Street Grove Green Rose & Crown Otford Lane Halstead Hawkenbury Hawkenbury Road Hawkenbury Eight Bells The Moor Hawkhurst Great House Gills Green Hawkhurst Oak & Ivy Rye Road Hawkhurst Queens Inn Rye Road Hawkhurst Royal Oak Rye Road
    [Show full text]
  • River Medway: Medway Valley Walk
    AINA CASE STUDY HEALTH, WELL-BEING, RECREATION AND SPORT River Medway: Medway Valley Walk Access for all and a series of circular walks help open up the riverside paths The River Medway is the longest river and longest navigation in Kent and forms part of the Environment Agency’s Medway Region. Once used for commercial trade, the river between Maidstone and Tonbridge is now a public navigation, and the Medway Valley Walk provides riverbank access through the 'Garden of England'. Using existing rights of ways, five shorter circular walks also link directly to the riverside. The Medway Valley Countryside Partnership, comprising Kent County Council, Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council, Maidstone Borough Council and the Environment Agency, works to encourage more people to enjoy and explore the 18 mile walk and its local countryside. Typical improvements have included widening the path, installing bridge ramps and removing stiles. Surfacing work to enable greater access for all has been undertaken in key areas on the edge of towns or villages. The partnership also secured £204,000 from partners and EU Interreg which allowed bank restoration by specialist contractors, installation of disabled fishing platforms and a large number of smaller access improvements. Local volunteers help the partnership too, and their work includes path clearance and installation of handrails. Relatively inexpensive, the collective result along the path has a great benefit for accessibility and enjoyment of the riverside. The Riverside Communities Project - funded by the Heritage Lottery, Ernest Cook Trust and the Bernard Sunley Charitable Foundation – developed as 2½ year project (2006-09) which engaged local people with their river in a programme of events, school workshops and interpretative work.
    [Show full text]
  • International Passenger Survey, 2008
    UK Data Archive Study Number 5993 - International Passenger Survey, 2008 Airline code Airline name Code 2L 2L Helvetic Airways 26099 2M 2M Moldavian Airlines (Dump 31999 2R 2R Star Airlines (Dump) 07099 2T 2T Canada 3000 Airln (Dump) 80099 3D 3D Denim Air (Dump) 11099 3M 3M Gulf Stream Interntnal (Dump) 81099 3W 3W Euro Manx 01699 4L 4L Air Astana 31599 4P 4P Polonia 30699 4R 4R Hamburg International 08099 4U 4U German Wings 08011 5A 5A Air Atlanta 01099 5D 5D Vbird 11099 5E 5E Base Airlines (Dump) 11099 5G 5G Skyservice Airlines 80099 5P 5P SkyEurope Airlines Hungary 30599 5Q 5Q EuroCeltic Airways 01099 5R 5R Karthago Airlines 35499 5W 5W Astraeus 01062 6B 6B Britannia Airways 20099 6H 6H Israir (Airlines and Tourism ltd) 57099 6N 6N Trans Travel Airlines (Dump) 11099 6Q 6Q Slovak Airlines 30499 6U 6U Air Ukraine 32201 7B 7B Kras Air (Dump) 30999 7G 7G MK Airlines (Dump) 01099 7L 7L Sun d'Or International 57099 7W 7W Air Sask 80099 7Y 7Y EAE European Air Express 08099 8A 8A Atlas Blue 35299 8F 8F Fischer Air 30399 8L 8L Newair (Dump) 12099 8Q 8Q Onur Air (Dump) 16099 8U 8U Afriqiyah Airways 35199 9C 9C Gill Aviation (Dump) 01099 9G 9G Galaxy Airways (Dump) 22099 9L 9L Colgan Air (Dump) 81099 9P 9P Pelangi Air (Dump) 60599 9R 9R Phuket Airlines 66499 9S 9S Blue Panorama Airlines 10099 9U 9U Air Moldova (Dump) 31999 9W 9W Jet Airways (Dump) 61099 9Y 9Y Air Kazakstan (Dump) 31599 A3 A3 Aegean Airlines 22099 A7 A7 Air Plus Comet 25099 AA AA American Airlines 81028 AAA1 AAA Ansett Air Australia (Dump) 50099 AAA2 AAA Ansett New Zealand (Dump)
    [Show full text]
  • Appendix B: Employment and Mixed Use Site Assessments
    SHEDLAA Appendix B: Employment and mixed use site assessments 1. SITE INFORMATION Reference Number ED-1 Site name/address West of Barradale Farm, Maidstone Road Landowner Pent Ltd Agent Howard Courtley, Courtley Consultants Greenfield/PDL Greenfield Proposed uses (sqm) Approximately 5500 sqm of employment use B1b/c B2 and B8 Site area (ha) 1.9 Is the site urban, adjacent Rural to urban, rural settlement or rural Site origin (e.g. Call for Call for Sites Sites) 2. SITE ASSESSMENT/SUITABILITY Site description (including Barradale Farm is located approximately 1.5km north of topography and surrounding Headcorn Village Centre. It is in the Low Weald Special land uses) Landscape Area MBWLP policy ENV34. The proposed site is located immediately to the west (rear of) the existing Barradale Farm complex, it is currently an open field bounded to the west and north by trees and hedgerows. Barradale Farm was formerly an intensive egg production unit and the buildings have now been converted to other uses (9 units). One unit is in use for the sale and repair of agricultural machinery, 4 units are occupied by Barradale Eggs, a Self- storage unit, a garage/workshop for Streamline coaches/taxis, a printing business (Print Big) and Foreman’s Emporium. The complex of buildings is very visible from the A274. The site itself is relatively flat. There is extensive concrete hardstanding around the units which extends to the rear. The re is an existing pond linked to a ditch located to the rear of the Print and Streamline units. Land to the north of the site rises to a mini ridge which runs east-west.
    [Show full text]
  • Landscape Assessment of Kent 2004
    CHILHAM: STOUR VALLEY Location map: CHILHAMCHARACTER AREA DESCRIPTION North of Bilting, the Stour Valley becomes increasingly enclosed. The rolling sides of the valley support large arable fields in the east, while sweeps of parkland belonging to Godmersham Park and Chilham Castle cover most of the western slopes. On either side of the valley, dense woodland dominate the skyline and a number of substantial shaws and plantations on the lower slopes reflect the importance of game cover in this area. On the valley bottom, the river is picked out in places by waterside alders and occasional willows. The railway line is obscured for much of its length by trees. STOUR VALLEY Chilham lies within the larger character area of the Stour Valley within the Kent Downs AONB. The Great Stour is the most easterly of the three rivers cutting through the Downs. Like the Darent and the Medway, it too provided an early access route into the heart of Kent and formed an ancient focus for settlement. Today the Stour Valley is highly valued for the quality of its landscape, especially by the considerable numbers of walkers who follow the Stour Valley Walk or the North Downs Way National Trail. Despite its proximity to both Canterbury and Ashford, the Stour Valley retains a strong rural identity. Enclosed by steep scarps on both sides, with dense woodlands on the upper slopes, the valley is dominated by intensively farmed arable fields interspersed by broad sweeps of mature parkland. Unusually, there are no electricity pylons cluttering the views across the valley. North of Bilting, the river flows through a narrow, pastoral floodplain, dotted with trees such as willow and alder and drained by small ditches.
    [Show full text]
  • Aylesford to Maidstone Walk
    Saturday Walkers Club www.walkingclub.org.uk Aylesford to Maidstone walk Ancient sites and a fine viewpoint on Kent's North Downs Length Main Walk: 19 km (11.8 miles). Four hours 45 minutes walking time. For the whole excursion including trains, sights and meals, allow at least 9½ hours. Circular Walk, returning to Aylesford: 17½ km (10.9 miles). Four hours 20 minutes walking time. OS Map Explorer 148. Aylesford, map reference TQ720587, is in Kent, 5 km NW of Maidstone. Toughness 5 out of 10. Features Although only a small village on the banks of the River Medway, Aylesford has a long history. In this area there are neolithic burial sites, memorials to battles from the Roman and Anglo-Saxon eras, a medieval bridge and many ancient buildings. There are also reminders of brick, tile and cement manufacturing, paper mills and quarrying, but many of these old industrial sites are being redeveloped for housing and the only significant blot on the landscape is a large paper recycling plant across the river in Snodland. Aylesford station is 1 km from the village centre and the walk starts with a fine view across the river to The Friars, a Carmelite priory which was dissolved by HenryⅧ and used as a private residence until the main house burnt down in the 20thC. The site was then bought back by the Carmelites and restored to its former use; it is open to the public daily (free entry) except on Christmas week. The route crosses the river on a new road bridge for a picture-postcard view of the village's medieval bridge and other historic buildings.
    [Show full text]