Beacon Wood Country Park to re-open

Owners of the site, Lafarge Cement, have teamed up with Bean Parish Council and Groundwork Kent and Medway Trust to breath new life into the Country Park and will be celebrating the official re-opening on Saturday, August 6th.  The day's attractions commence from 11am until 3pm at Beacon Wood Country Park, Southfleet Road, Bean. Jeremy Kite, Leader of Dartford Borough Council will join other VIPs at 12pm.

A new dynamic five year Management Plan will be used to manage and enhance Beacon Wood Country Park for local people and for wildlife. Conservation and community features requiring management include semi-natural broad-leaved woodland including remnants of ancient woodland, scrub habitat, grassland, areas of silver birth colonisation and associated fungus and lichen flora, and local community involvement.

David Simms, Land and Planning Director for Lafarge Cement said:  "Beacon Wood is of enormous benefit to members of the local community.  It represents a valuable countryside recreation resource for the village of Bean and the surrounding area. The Park will be managed and maintained to the highest possible standard for visitors, while ensuring both the protection and enhancement of flora, fauna and wildlife native to the site. The Park will offer opportunities for environmental education and awareness through interpretation of the site and by planning a range of events and activities during the year, which will cater for many ages and interests.  Lafarge was concerned that Kent County Council were unable to continue their lease of the site but we are delighted that we are now able to instigate a new Management Plan."

Councillor Neil Pearson-Coffey, Vice Chair Bean Parish Council said: “We are delighted and excited about this new partnership with Lafarge and Groundwork and look forward to managing Beacon Wood for the enjoyment of all visitors whilst protecting this unique environmental area.

“Beacon Wood has been an important asset to the community as a whole for many years and we are especially pleased that we will be working with Groundwork who not only have previous knowledge of the site but have considerable experience in conservation and environmental awareness and the Parish Council hopes that local residents will show their support by joining the ‘Friends of Beacon Wood’”

Ian Martin, General Manager, at Groundwork said:  "Groundwork Kent and Medway is extremely pleased to be working in partnership with Lafarge and Bean Parish Council to manage Beacon Wood Country Park. Over the years, Groundwork has had a lot of input into Beacon Wood and this is a great opportunity to be involved with the Park again."