It was a glorious morning exploring Russell Gardens and Bushy Ruff Country Park on Thursday 14 July 2022.

Wild with Wheels founder and director Gini Mitchell writes: 

Local amateur historian Norman Sands, who is disabled and uses a wheelchair, taught us lots about the nationally-important Kearsney Abbey Parks.

We admired the formal gardens, wild meadow areas, and natural woodlands with artificial lakes fed originally from the River Dour. This little chalk stream runs through Dover.

The River Dour is a rare habitat for flora and fauna - one of only 200 chalk streams in the world. Permeating through the chalk of the North Downs, the Dour has exceptional water quality along with a stable temperature supporting the most significant colony of brown trout in south east England.

Fish, flies and flora

We spotted a trout, along with plenty of species of dragonfly, butterflies, and damselflies. There were lots of waterfowl and small fish to admire. 

And, as usual, we used all our senses to connect to the natural environment.

We enjoyed the scents of pineapple weed and lavender, and listened to the wind in the rushes.

We particularly liked the disabled facilities. 

The Kearsney Cafe gave us such a warm and helpful welcome, with a specially-prepared table set to accommodate our powerchairs and scooters. There is ample disabled parking spaces and the newly installed disabled toilets are impressive.

Have you visited Kearsney Parks with a wheelchair or as a disabled person? We'd love you to tell us on social media or by email.

@northdownswaynt @kent_downs_aonb @visitdover @kearsneypks

@dovertowncouncil

Image credit - Norman Sands 

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