Bearsted Woodland Trust (BWT) is beginning works to remedy drainage problems at its car park.
The car park, accessed via the A20 (Ashford Road), was opened in March 2023 but heavy rain in the autumn of that year caused the entrance area to become waterlogged and rutted. For safety and operational reasons a decision was then taken to close the car park.
On site investigations revealed that, although the plastic interlocking grid laid to provide a firm surface is still intact, there is the need for a new drainage system at the car park entrance to prevent waterlogging.
Now, following planning approval from Maidstone Borough Council and a tender process, local contractor NAB Construction has been chosen to carry out the necessary works and these started on schedule at the beginning of April.
BWT Management Committee Chair John Wale said: ‘We believe that the necessary drainage and construction works can be complete by the end of spring 2026.
‘We’d like to thank our Members and the public for their interest and patience during this closure period.’
The new car park also saw hedges, trees and bushes of native species planted to screen the area, and this is now known as Jubilee Wood.