Article
Wildlife
It continues to be a busy time of the year in the park for the wildlife. For the first time in several years, we have had two pairs of swans nesting in Kearsney Abbey, both of which have got five cygnets. Both families are doing well, and the cygnets are growing fast. We have also got young coots, mallard ducks and moorhens, all of which are doing well.
The parents are protective of their young, so please be careful when you visit the park and keep a safe distance from all wildlife.
As the weather has warmed over the past few weeks, you can spot the dragonflies and damselflies hovering over the water surfaces. This is especially clear on the lily pond in Russell Gardens.
Flora
The common spotted orchid, Dactylorhiza fuchsii, can be seen growing in Kearsney Abbey. It is in bloom between June and August, so keep an eye open for it when you visit.
The grand border in Russell Gardens continues to establish well and has colour throughout the year. The lavender bed is now in full flower in Russell Gardens, and it is a haven for bees.
General update
The main car park in Kearsney Parks is open from 7am until 9pm and is locked overnight.
As we enter the summer months, the busy café continues to serve all your favourite homemade treats. The kiosk alongside the café is now open at weekends (weather depending) selling a whole range of treats, including drinks and soft serve ice creams.
The Billiards Room is now available to hire for private events, for more information, please see the Kearsney Parks website.
Volunteering at Kearsney Parks
Volunteer tasks continue in the parks on a weekly basis. We continue to carry out general maintenance in the parks, including working on the grand border and the orchard in Russell Gardens. We also need volunteers for events, and we are hoping to start carrying out new wildlife surveys.
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.
Photography
There are always great opportunities for taking photos in the park, be it with a camera or on your phone.
We are always happy to receive photos taken in the park, so please feel free to send any photos in and we will try to use them, not only in our publications, but also in the Kearsney Parks Calendar.
The picture above was taken by Paul Yardley.
Please send your photos to kearsney.parks@dover.gov.uk
Keep in touch
If you have any comments or questions, please email us at kearsney.parks@dover.gov.uk