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Camer Park Country Park facts for kids

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Camer Park Country Park
Autumn colour in Camer Country Park - geograph.org.uk - 994654.jpg
Camer Park Country Park
Area 40 acres (160,000 m2)
Created 1971 (1971)
Operated by Kent County Council,
Open All Year, 7 days a week, dawn until dusk
Website [1]
Camer Park Country Park is located in Kent
Camer Park Country Park
Location in Kent

Camer Country Park is a lovely green space located in Meopham, Kent, England. It used to be a large private estate, but now it's a public park with beautiful grasslands and woodlands for everyone to enjoy. It's a great spot to explore nature and go for a walk.

A Glimpse into Camer Park's Past

Camer Park was once the private estate of the Smith-Masters family. This family owned one of the biggest estates in Meopham. There had been a farm in this area since the 13th century, a very long time ago!

The estate grew largest in the 18th and 19th centuries under the Smith-Masters family. One famous family member was William Smith-Masters, who was a cricketer. He passed away in Meopham in 1937.

The last family member known to live there was Kate Smith-Masters. Her son, George Smith, inherited the estate. He decided to keep the house but sold the rest of the land. In 1967, the Strood Rural District Council bought the land for £9,750.

The council then turned the estate into a Country Park. It first opened to the public in the early 1970s. Today, Kent County Council still looks after and manages the park.

The original Smith-Masters family house was built in 1716. It is a Grade II listed building, which means it's an important historical building. The house is still privately owned, but you can see it from inside the park.

Exploring the Natural Beauty of Camer Park

Camer Park is a wonderful place for visitors to explore. You can wander freely and admire the many old trees that are part of the park's history. The park covers more than 40 acres of ancient parkland and woods. It is even listed as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which means it's a very special landscape.

If you enjoy longer walks, the Meopham Footpaths Group has created special routes. These paths take you through the woodlands next to the park.

A book called A Year of Walks, Kent even features an 11-mile walk. This walk starts from the park's car park and goes through the estate. It then leads to nearby villages like Meopham, Havel, Luddesdown, and Cobham, before returning to the park.

Keep an eye out for some interesting creatures in the park! You might spot common lizards, also known as lacerta vivipara. You could also see slowworms, which are legless lizards, called Anguis fragilis.

How to Find Your Way to Camer Park

Getting to Camer Park is quite easy. If you are coming from the A2 dual carriageway near Gravesend, take the A227 road towards Wrotham.

You will pass through the village of Meopham. After Meopham, turn left onto Green Lane. Then, turn right onto Camer Park Road. You will find a car park at the park, and it's free to use!

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