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General update
Despite the weather still being wet, we are pleased to say that the lower pathway in Russell Gardens has now been reopened. It is still very wet, so sturdy boots are suggested when walking in all the parks.
The snowdrops and cyclamen are flowering throughout the park, and the early flowering yellow daffodils are beginning to show colour. The spring bulbs in the long border in Russell Gardens are also beginning to show.
The café is open for both take away and eat in. The opening times are 9am to 4pm in March, and 9am to 5pm from April.
Community Day/Easter Trail
On Saturday 23 March, we are having an Easter Trail/Community Day.
As part of the Community Day, various Dover District Council teams, including the communities and environmental protection teams will be on hand to talk to you and provide a range of help and information. The RSPB will also be attending and there will be arts and crafts.
New defibrillator
A new defibrillator has been installed at Kearsney Abbey adding to the network of life-saving equipment across the district.
The new Automated External Defibrillator (AED) has been fitted on the wall outside the cafe entrance and provides a lifeline to visitors in the unfortunate event of a medical emergency at the park.
Defibrillators can increase a person’s chance of survival from cardiac arrest from around 5% to between 50% and 70%. Training is not required, although the odds of survival increase if the person using the equipment has been trained. For more information, please see the DDC Press Release.
Kearsney Parks 2025 calendar
The sale of the Kearsney Parks 2024 calendar went well, and we are now looking for photos for the 2025 calendar. If you have any photos that you feel will be suitable, please do sent them in, (for us to display these photos, the preferred format is landscape). Please email your photos to kearsney.parks@dover.gov.uk
Wildlife
The kingfishers continue to be spotted in all three parks as does the heron. You are less likely to see them as we go into the breeding season.
Between November and April, the trout spawn in the river. Ensure you keep out of the river during this period so that the trout can be as successful as possible.
Please be aware of the birds as they begin their nesting season. Please keep dogs on leads in the designated areas and under control at all times.
The fantastic picture of the blue tit above was taken by Steve Elks.
Volunteering at Kearsney Parks
Volunteering tasks are continuing in Kearsney Parks. All the fruit trees have been pruned and mulched with leaf mould from the park. We continue to carry out maintenance on the long border in Russell Gardens and throughout the parks.
If you are interested in volunteering, and would like to be put on our database, please get in touch at kearsney.parks@dover.gov.uk.