Jeskyns facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Jeskyns |
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Path in Jeskyns
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| Area | 360 acres (150 ha) |
| Created | 2006 |
| Operated by | Forestry Commission |
| Status | Open 7 days a week, dawn until dusk |
Jeskyns is a fantastic park located near Cobham in Kent, England. It used to be a farm, but in 2007, it was transformed into a huge open space for everyone to enjoy. This park is a great place for outdoor activities. It also helps protect and create new homes for wildlife.
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History of Jeskyns Park
Jeskyns was once a very large farm. After its owner passed away, the land was put up for sale in 2005. The Forestry Commission, which manages forests and woodlands, bought the land. They used money from a special government fund to turn it into a community woodland.
Protecting Wildlife During Development
When the land was being prepared, tractors ploughed the fields. Sadly, this destroyed about 60 nests of newly-born skylarks and their eggs. A spokesperson for the Forestry Commission said they were very sorry for this "operational misjudgement." They explained they never meant to harm any birds. To prevent this from happening again, they hired an expert on birds (an ornithologist) to guide them.
Designing the New Woodland
The plan for Jeskyns was similar to another Forestry Commission wood called Thames Chase. Jeskyns is part of the Green Belt around Gravesend. A Green Belt is a special area of open land kept free from building. This helps to stop cities from growing too much. Part of Jeskyns is also in the North Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This means it's a beautiful landscape that is protected.
Building the Park
Since the park began, a lot of work has been done. Over 150,000 trees and shrubs have been planted. More than 2,000 traditional orchard trees were also added. About 6.8 kilometers (4 miles) of paths have been laid. These paths are easy for everyone to use, including people with disabilities.
Two new ponds were created: Henhurst Lake for wildlife and Ashenbank Pond for a quiet meadow area. Many people from the community helped plant trees. Over 145 tonnes of rubbish were removed, including old cars and washing machines. Local schools and children's groups also helped with the project.
The Forestry Commission also looked into bringing back parts of a traditional Kentish farm landscape. Jeskyns officially opened to the public in July 2007. Jeskyns works with other local sites like Shorne Wood Country Park and Cobham Woods.
Fun Facilities at Jeskyns
Jeskyns Park has five main areas, each with a different purpose.
Exploring the Park's Areas
- Jeskyns Wood: This is a large area with many newly planted trees. It's mainly broadleaf trees and helps to expand the existing woodland habitats.
- Jeskyns Glades: Here you'll find a beautiful wildflower meadow. It's surrounded by small areas of natural woodland.
- Jeskyns Meadows: This area protects important archaeological finds. It's also a large meadow where animals graze, offering wide-open views across the park.
- Jeskyns Orchards: This special orchard has over 900 different kinds of cherry, plum, apple, and pear trees. In total, there are 2,504 traditional orchard trees.
- Jeskyns Grove: This is another open wildflower meadow. It has a backdrop of informal woodland and some occasional orchard trees.
Trails for Everyone
There are five marked trails to explore the park:
- Court Wood Trail: This is a short 1/4 mile walk, perfect for walkers.
- Henhurst Lake Walk: A 1 1/4 mile trail for both walkers and cyclists.
- Broomfield Loop: This trail is 1 3/4 miles long and is also for walkers and cyclists.
- Orchard Walk: A 2-mile path that walkers and cyclists can enjoy.
- Horse Trail: A longer 5-mile trail designed for horse riders.
Play and Art Features
Jeskyns also has some cool "natural play features." These include a tree house and a cone pool, which is like a ball pit but filled with pine cones! There's also a sandpit for younger visitors. You'll find several environmental art sculptures around the park. Most of these huge figures were carved from a single piece of oak or sweet chestnut wood using a chainsaw.
The park also has a children's play area. There's even a special enclosed space for dog training. Jeskyns has a car park, and in 2013, plans were approved for a cafeteria, so you can grab a snack or drink during your visit.
How to Find Jeskyns
Jeskyns is easy to find. It's located just off the A2 dual carriageway. Look for the junction for Sole Street/Gravesend. From there, follow Henhurst Road towards Sole Street. The car park for Jeskyns will be on your left.
