Shorne Woods Heritage Project
Shorne Woods Country Park, a Site of Special Scientific Interest and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty between Rochester and Gravesend, is one of the most widely used amenities that Kent County Council own. Many visitors arrive each year to enjoy walking, cycling, riding, following marked trails or simply exploring the ancient woodland, meadows and wetland. A new state-of-the-art, sustainable visitor centre is due to open this summer, housing a café and educational rooms.
A recent Heritage Lottery Fund grant has been awarded to the Park, enabling investigation, conservation and interpretation of the historic environment. A Community Archaeologist Officer has been appointed to coordinate work on the archaeological features within the varied landscape. Your Newsletter editor was delighted to have been offered this role.
Shorne contains archaeology of many periods, from Mesolithic flints, stratified in streambeds in the old clay extraction pits which shaped the contours of some of the Park. The medieval Randall Manor, likely re-opened as part of these clearances, lies hidden in the woods, its footprint gradually slipping along the slopes to Shorne Hill beneath. In addition to the Manor and so close to the Medway, is a probable Roman industrial site, perhaps re-using the footings for a medieval post mill long gone but the stone. Remnants of World War II military structures add diversity, the sound of passing traffic on the A2 echoing in the bunkers, whilst the route of the ‘bomb damage’ drive from Cobham Hall remains, with its leather air valves.
All these old features will be investigated by the volunteers. There is room to involve as many local people as possible in the Park’s history. Over the coming months, contacts will be made with history and archaeology groups, schools, social clubs, children’s clubs; anyone that might enjoy the practical experience ‘on the ground’, recording what these archaeological elements is very welcome. The eventual interpretation of the archaeology to school-children and families, will add an extra dimension to visitors’ enjoyment of the Park, providing more opportunities for access and education.
The Park itself has yet to be widely advertised during 2006, when new walks will be opened to explore the old rides and footpaths extending throughout, also linking the Park to Ashenbank Wood, Jeskyns Farm and Ranscombe Farm.
During National Archaeology Week 8th – 23rd July, excavation of Randall Manor will take place, and participation by interested local groups or individuals will be encouraged. The Park will host other activities on Sunday 23rd July, based around a medieval theme, living history, music and 3 activities for families, archers to handling and guided walks of the archaeology.
For more information contact Lyn Palmer on 01622 698203 at Shorne Wood Country Park on 01474 823800
BELOW: Volunteers hard at clearing rhododendrons on archaeological features.