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{{Infobox park
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'''Darenth Country Park''' is in [[Darenth]] near [[Dartford]], in [[Kent]], England. A former demolished hospital site, turned into a Millennium open-space park.
| name = Darenth Country Park
{{coord|51.4309|0.2503|display=title|region:GB|format=dms}}
| alt_name =
{{Location map |Kent |lat=51.4309 |long=0.2503 |width=180 |float=right |caption=''Darenth Country Park shown within [[Kent]]'' ({{gbmapping|TQ23596315}})}}
| photo =
| photo_width =
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| photo_caption =
| type =
| location =
| map = Kent
| map_caption = ''Darenth Country Park shown within [[Kent]]''
| grid_ref_UK = TQ627734
| lat_d = 51.4309
| long_d = 0.2503
| region = GB
| format = dms
| display = inline,title
| area = {{convert|100|ha|acre|abbr=off}}
| created = 1999
| operator = Dartford Borough Council]],
| visitation_num =
| status =
| open = 7 days a week, dawn until dusk
⚫
| website = {{official website|http://www.dartford.gov.uk/darenthcountrypark/index.htm}}
}}
⚫
'''Darenth Country Park''' is in [[Darenth]] near [[Dartford]], in [[Kent]], England. On the site of a former demolished hospital site [[Darenth Park Hospital]], also the site of a scheduled ancient monument and the site of ancient Saxon burials. Due to this protection it was turned into a [[millennium]] open-space park.


==History==
==History==
In 1954. [[General Post Office]](GPO) engineers while digging a cable trench, cut through a saxon grave and also recovered a late 6th century silver gilt square headed [[brooch]] and parts of a bronze howl. These finds were then given to the [[British Museum]] to research and store.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kentarchaeology.org.uk/Research/02/DDAG/06/14.htm |title =6. Darenth Park Hospital
|website =www.kentarchaeology.org.uk | date= March 2006 |accessdate=30 November 2013}}</ref>


In 1978, 'Dartford & District Archaeological Group' excavated a trench on the site before a planning application was made by [[Blue Circle Industries|Associated Portland Cement Manufacturers Ltd.]] for [[chalk]] extraction. This trench found an ancient [[Saxon]] burial ground (5th century), with 12 Saxon graves, as well as artefacts (a spearhead, brooches and a glass bowl) from the period.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dartfordarchive.org.uk/early_history/saxons.shtml |title =SAXON SETTLERS IN THE DARTFORD AREA |website =www.dartfordarchive.org.uk |accessdate=30 November 2013}}</ref> The Darenth bowl (dedicated to [[Valerius and Rufinus|St. Rufinus of Soissons]] c.450 A.D.) is now in Dartford Borough Museum.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dartfordarchive.org.uk/early_history/magnified/darenth_bowl.html |title =Darenth bowl |website =www.dartfordarchive.org.uk |accessdate=30 November 2013}}</ref> The graves were then deemed important enough to be scheduled as an [[Ancient Monument]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://list.english-heritage.org.uk/resultsingle.aspx?uid=1003126 |title =Anglo-Saxon cemetery at Darenth Park |website =english-heritage.org.uk | year=1979 |accessdate=30 November 2013}}</ref>
"The park was developed as a National Millenium Project, giving a new lease of life to this former hospital site. However, the park also offers visitors a taste of history as it is home to a scheduled ancient monument. The area was used as an ancient Saxon burial ground, with 12 Saxon graves having been discovered at the site, as well as artefacts from the period.
The park includes a Site of Special Scientific Interest and mainly comprises grazing pasture and environmentally managed wildflower meadows.Located on the edge of the North Downs, above the Darent Valley, there are some beautiful views of the surrounding countryside."
Darenth Country Park was developed from the grounds of the former Darenth Asylum, as one of "Changing Places" National Millennium Projects and opened to visitors for the millennium.


The hospital buildings were then demolished in 1995. The new [[Darent Valley Hospital]] was built on part of the site. Then a 'village' of 300 new houses was also built on a portion and the remaining 100 acres became the Darenth Country Park.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ezitis.myzen.co.uk/darenthpark.html |title =Darenth Park Hospital |website =ezitis.myzen.co.uk| date=June 2009 |accessdate=30 November 2013}}</ref> The only surviving building is the former 'Darenth Park Hospital Farm', which is now used as a riding school. Arrow Riding School for the disabled.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bfdc.co.uk/2000/stone_soil/darenth_country_park.html |title =Darenth Country Park |website =www.bfdc.co.uk | date=4 July 2000 |accessdate=30 November 2013}}</ref>
The Park is located on the edge of the North Downs above the Darent Valley and it is home to the Arrow Riding Centre for the disabled.


The park was developed as a "Changing Places" National Millenium Project <ref>{{cite web |url=http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/SearchUI/Details?uri=C11395856 |title =Millennium capital project: Changing Places: Darenth Country Park, Dartford, Kent: monthly project measures; detailed appraisal review (DAR) | website=nationalarchives.gov.uk | date=1 Jan 1995 | accessdate=30 November 2013}}</ref>
The site resembles a river valley with the main Chestnut Driveway marking the bottom. It includes a scheduled ancient monument. Although little remains today, this was once the site of ancient Saxon burials.


The council employed artist Andy McKeown to work with local schools and community groups to design the sculpture in the park.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bushcraftexperience.com/news/70-darenth-country-park.html |title =Darenth Country Park | website=www.bushcraftexperience.com | date=5 February 2012 | accessdate=30 November 2013}}</ref>
Over the years a total of 12 graves have been discovered complete with Saxon objects including a spearhead, brooches and a completely intact glass bowl dating back to AD450.


⚫
In 2004, Kent Thameside Green Grid Design Strategy and Guidelines was produced by Kent County Council. It proposed to extend both [[Beacon Wood Country Park]] and Darenth Country Park to create a ‘joined’ Darenth and Beacon Country Park. <ref name=thameside>http://gtgkm.org.uk/documents/kt-green-grid-design-strategy-1304431749.pdf </ref>
The Darenth bowl as it is now known can be seen at Dartford Borough Museum.


==Ecology==
⚫
There are also SSSI, two cemeteries and newly created "traditional" orchards.
It is situated on the edge of the [[North Downs]] and a portion of the wood (on the northern boundary) in the of the park, is part of [[Site of Special Scientific Interest]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sssi.naturalengland.org.uk/citation/citation_photo/1003548.pdf |title=SSSI name: Scord's Wood and Brockhoult Mount| publisher=www.sssi.naturalengland.org.uk |year=1968 |accessdate=30 November 2013 }}</ref>


The park is within a shallow river valley with the main 'Chestnut Driveway' path marking the bottom. Leading East-West to Gore Road (on the eastern edge).

The [[Calcareous grassland|chalk grassland]] are used as grazing for farm animals, but some were left to naturalise into [[wildflower]] meadows after the park was formed, these grasslands were cleared of scrub to allow the rare chalk land plants and animals to re-establish including the [[Musk Orchid]], and [[Chalkhill Blue]] butterfly. This is one of the only three sites within Kent, that Watling Street Thistle, [[Eryngium campestre]] can be found.

⚫
newly created "traditional" orchards.
Chapel Orchard boasts over 150 varieties of apple, pear, plum, cherry and cob nut tree.
Chapel Orchard boasts over 150 varieties of apple, pear, plum, cherry and cob nut tree.

The larger traditional apple varieties such as "Kentish Filbasket" and "Golden Pippin" are at the top end of the orchard.
The larger traditional apple varieties such as "Kentish Filbasket" and "Golden Pippin" are at the top end of the orchard.

Towards the other end of the orchard you are brought right up to date with the modern dwarf and semi dwarf varieties, such as "Discovery" and "Red Devil".
Towards the other end of the orchard you are brought right up to date with the modern dwarf and semi dwarf varieties, such as "Discovery" and "Red Devil".


In addition there are horse grazing paddocks <ref>{{cite news | title=Pony close to death after food swells in stomach following Darenth Country Park break-in | url=http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/news/10803696.Pony_close_to_death_after_food_swells_in_stomach_following_Darenth_Country_Park_break_in/ | location=South East UK | publisher=www.newsshopper.co.uk | date=13 November 2013 | accessdate=30 November 2013}}</ref>
In addition there are horse grazing paddocks and this is one of the only three sites within Kent that Watling Street Thistle, Ergrigium Campestre can be found.

⚫
The site offers a variety of surfaced and unsurfaced paths including cycle routes.

Artist Andy McKeown worked with local schools and community groups to design the sculpture you can see here.

The sculpture represents new life and growth arising from the decline of old industries or past land use.


⚫
and The site offers a variety of surfaced and unsurfaced paths including cycle routes.


There is a picnic area available adjacent to the Car Park.
There is a picnic area available adjacent to the Car Park.

⚫
<ref name=park>http://www.dartford.gov.uk/darenthcountrypark/index.htm</ref>




⚫
http://www.kent.gov.uk/leisure_and_culture/countryside_and_coast/parks_and_open_spaces/country_parks/darenth_country_park.aspx

⚫
In 2004, Kent Thameside Green Grid Design Strategy and Guidelines was produced by Kent County Council. It proposed to extend both [[Beacon Wood Country Park]] and Darenth Country Park to create a ‘joined’ Darenth and Beacon Country Park. <ref name=thameside>http://gtgkm.org.uk/documents/kt-green-grid-design-strategy-1304431749.pdf </ref>


==How to get there==
==How to get there==
Situated off the A2 (dual carriageway near Dartford. Take the B255 Bean Road, through Bean. It then becomes Southfleet Road. The park is on the left.
Heading south from the A296 (between Dartford and the A2 to Gravesend), down Gore Road.
No seperate off-road car park exists. But parking can be along Bean Road near the Black Horse Public House.

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==External links==
*[http://www.kent.gov.uk/leisure_and_culture/countryside_and_coast/parks_and_open_spaces/country_parks/beacon_wood_country_park.aspx Kent County Council]
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*[http://www.dartford.gov.uk/darenthcountrypark/index.htm Dartford Council page]
*[http://www.visitkent.co.uk/explore/thedms.asp?dms=13&GroupId=8&venue=3093420 Visit Kent page]
*[http://www.disabledgo.com/en/access-guide/darenth-country-park/dartford-borough-council disabled access to the park page]


==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}

⚫
==External links==
*[http://www.dartford.gov.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/43766/8370DBCWalk_02.pdf Walk 2 Darenth Countr Park]
⚫
*[http://www.kent.gov.uk/leisure_and_culture/countryside_and_coast/parks_and_open_spaces/country_parks/darenth_country_park.aspx Kent County Page]
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*[http://www.darenthpc.kentparishes.gov.uk/default.cfm?pid=4596 Dartford Council page]
*[http://www.flickr.com/photos/explorekent/8267545283/ flickr photos of the park]


[[:Category:Country parks in Kent]]
[[:Category:Country parks in Kent]]
[[:Category:Scheduled Ancient Monuments]]

Revision as of 23:46, 30 November 2013

Darenth Country Park
Darenth Country Park is located in Kent
Darenth Country Park
Darenth Country Park shown within Kent
OS gridTQ627734
Area100 hectares (250 acres)
Created1999
Operated byDartford Borough Council]],
Open7 days a week, dawn until dusk
WebsiteOfficial website

Darenth Country Park is in Darenth near Dartford, in Kent, England. On the site of a former demolished hospital site Darenth Park Hospital, also the site of a scheduled ancient monument and the site of ancient Saxon burials. Due to this protection it was turned into a millennium open-space park.

History

In 1954. General Post Office(GPO) engineers while digging a cable trench, cut through a saxon grave and also recovered a late 6th century silver gilt square headed brooch and parts of a bronze howl. These finds were then given to the British Museum to research and store.[1]

In 1978, 'Dartford & District Archaeological Group' excavated a trench on the site before a planning application was made by Associated Portland Cement Manufacturers Ltd. for chalk extraction. This trench found an ancient Saxon burial ground (5th century), with 12 Saxon graves, as well as artefacts (a spearhead, brooches and a glass bowl) from the period.[2] The Darenth bowl (dedicated to St. Rufinus of Soissons c.450 A.D.) is now in Dartford Borough Museum.[3] The graves were then deemed important enough to be scheduled as an Ancient Monument.[4]

The hospital buildings were then demolished in 1995. The new Darent Valley Hospital was built on part of the site. Then a 'village' of 300 new houses was also built on a portion and the remaining 100 acres became the Darenth Country Park.[5] The only surviving building is the former 'Darenth Park Hospital Farm', which is now used as a riding school. Arrow Riding School for the disabled.[6]

The park was developed as a "Changing Places" National Millenium Project [7]

The council employed artist Andy McKeown to work with local schools and community groups to design the sculpture in the park.[8]

In 2004, Kent Thameside Green Grid Design Strategy and Guidelines was produced by Kent County Council. It proposed to extend both Beacon Wood Country Park and Darenth Country Park to create a ‘joined’ Darenth and Beacon Country Park. [9]

Ecology

It is situated on the edge of the North Downs and a portion of the wood (on the northern boundary) in the of the park, is part of Site of Special Scientific Interest.[10]

The park is within a shallow river valley with the main 'Chestnut Driveway' path marking the bottom. Leading East-West to Gore Road (on the eastern edge).

The chalk grassland are used as grazing for farm animals, but some were left to naturalise into wildflower meadows after the park was formed, these grasslands were cleared of scrub to allow the rare chalk land plants and animals to re-establish including the Musk Orchid, and Chalkhill Blue butterfly. This is one of the only three sites within Kent, that Watling Street Thistle, Eryngium campestre can be found.

newly created "traditional" orchards. Chapel Orchard boasts over 150 varieties of apple, pear, plum, cherry and cob nut tree. The larger traditional apple varieties such as "Kentish Filbasket" and "Golden Pippin" are at the top end of the orchard. Towards the other end of the orchard you are brought right up to date with the modern dwarf and semi dwarf varieties, such as "Discovery" and "Red Devil".

In addition there are horse grazing paddocks [11]

and The site offers a variety of surfaced and unsurfaced paths including cycle routes.


There is a picnic area available adjacent to the Car Park.

How to get there

Heading south from the A296 (between Dartford and the A2 to Gravesend), down Gore Road.

References

  1. ^ "6. Darenth Park Hospital". www.kentarchaeology.org.uk. March 2006. Retrieved 30 November 2013.
  2. ^ "SAXON SETTLERS IN THE DARTFORD AREA". www.dartfordarchive.org.uk. Retrieved 30 November 2013.
  3. ^ "Darenth bowl". www.dartfordarchive.org.uk. Retrieved 30 November 2013.
  4. ^ "Anglo-Saxon cemetery at Darenth Park". english-heritage.org.uk. 1979. Retrieved 30 November 2013.
  5. ^ "Darenth Park Hospital". ezitis.myzen.co.uk. June 2009. Retrieved 30 November 2013.
  6. ^ "Darenth Country Park". www.bfdc.co.uk. 4 July 2000. Retrieved 30 November 2013.
  7. ^ "Millennium capital project: Changing Places: Darenth Country Park, Dartford, Kent: monthly project measures; detailed appraisal review (DAR)". nationalarchives.gov.uk. 1 Jan 1995. Retrieved 30 November 2013.
  8. ^ "Darenth Country Park". www.bushcraftexperience.com. 5 February 2012. Retrieved 30 November 2013.
  9. ^ http://gtgkm.org.uk/documents/kt-green-grid-design-strategy-1304431749.pdf
  10. ^ "SSSI name: Scord's Wood and Brockhoult Mount" (PDF). www.sssi.naturalengland.org.uk. 1968. Retrieved 30 November 2013.
  11. ^ "Pony close to death after food swells in stomach following Darenth Country Park break-in". South East UK: www.newsshopper.co.uk. 13 November 2013. Retrieved 30 November 2013.

External links

Category:Country parks in Kent Category:Scheduled Ancient Monuments

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Darenth_Country_Park&oldid=583975802"