Mini Adventure at Kearsney Parks

Today I led a group of people with limited mobility on scooters and supported one individual with a standard wheelchair (taking turns with her friend to push) on a mini adventure. We took the path from the Kearsney Abbey Tea Room (the old billiards room) through a small part of the stunning grounds of Kearsney Abbey, past meandering streams of water then crossing the road to enter Russell Gardens; It was a lovely hot and sunny day and with the trees along the way providing a good amount of shade to stop and cool off at.

We scooted up to the Lily Pond which is located at the bottom of Kearsney Court in Russell Gardens. The pond has been re-installed as part of the Heritage Lottery Funding (HLF); it’s currently got water lilies in full bloom, dragonflies and damselflies dancing over the water, baby Mino fish, water boatmen, bloodworms, showing an ecosystem is being established well.

We then proceeded along the path over some small bridges into Bushy Ruff Nature Reserve showcasing a stunning lake full of wildlife. We then scooted along the side of the lake taking rest under one of the stunning trees to enjoy a water break and take in the wildlife. After observing mute swans, ducks, cootes and moorhens we went on a little further to listen to the birds enjoying some shade under the trees. It was then time to head back taking the same path along into Russell Gardens then taking the path next to the River Dour admiring the stunning ornamental waterfalls and bridges.

We then followed the path back again into Kearsney Abbey and took a seat together in the café where a variety of food, drinks and ice creams were enjoyed.

A little more information:

  • The history of the site can be traced back to the Norman Conquest when it was known as Castney Court and part of the Barony of Saye, whose men maintained and garrisoned the Saye Tower at Dover Castle. Although never a monastic estate, it takes its name from the impressive Gothic revival manor house built between 1820-1822 by local merchant and banker, John Minet Fector. 
  • The wood paneled Billiards Room is the only remaining part of the Country house which stood on the estate before being demolished in 1950 due to extensive dry rot. The Billiards Room was added in the 1870s by landowner Francis Lyon Barrington. As part of the lottery restoration a brand-new building was added to the existing reaming structure to create Kearsney Tea Room which opened in July 2021.
  • The water from Kearsney Abbey, Russell Gardens and Bushy Ruff comes from a ground water aquifer in the Alkham Valley running a total of four miles through the Kearsney Parks, into the town and then out into the English Channel at Wellington Dock in Dover Harbour.
  • What is a ground water aquifer? A body of porous rock or sediment saturated with water. Groundwater enters an aquifer as precipitation (rain) seeps through the soil. It can move through the aquifer and resurface through springs and wells.
  • The River Dour is one of only 200 chalk streams providing a rare habitat for flora and fauna.
  • Cedar of Lebanon is a prominent feature in Kearsney Abbey is the which is believed to be one of the oldest specimens in the country.
  • Victorian Pump House It’s believed this structure contains the original pumping equipment used to serve the Kearsney Abbey mansion with fresh water. Over the years it has become known as the dinosaur egg by locals.
  • Natural Play Area A recently constructed natural play area in Russell Gardens as part of the HLF funding which was completed in April 2020.  The playground makes good use of an embankment with stepped access to a slide, climbing rope and holds. Retaining wall seating provides the perfect spot for parents to keep an eye on their children for supervised play.

There is so much more to share so keep following when I return to explore with the group this September.

Creating Accessible Walks in Kent

It’s not till it happens to us that we deal with situations that are life limiting or life changing.

So sometimes we really do have to try and understand being in someone else’s shoes to help, support and have some understanding of life for them.

For a while now I have been working with Wild with Wheels looking at providing accessible walks for people with a range of physical, mental and neuro diverse needs.

The simple act of walking, which some people, unfortunately are unable to complete, means they are limited to where they can go and what they can do. I am grateful to have this opportunity to help people with these accessibility issues to get out and enjoy nature.

Over the next two months over eight walks, I’m going to be sharing my time with people who would like to join me in getting outside. Every walk will have been pre-assessed to ensure the enjoyment and safety of all participants. From visiting Dover Castle and meeting the choughs to Solleys Ice Cream Parlour being out in the countryside and Pegwell Bay a real treat by the sea.

All the current walks are in the Sandwich, Deal and Dover Area with Gini the lead at Wild with Wheels also offering walks in these localities and Folkestone. As the work and team expands with Gini’s guidance there will be more happening across Kent but it will take time. We will be lucky to have Gini along on several occasions during the eight weeks I am currently leading.

If you’re interested in coming along to one of the walks, then please book by:

Phone: 07787 181550

info@wildwithwheels.com

GOGA Wild with Wheels (Free accessible guided nature experience) 8 weeks Tickets, Wed 7 Jun 2023 at 10:30 | Eventbrite=0  

Follow all the walks on both Tamsin | my_jones_life (@my_jones_life) | Instagram and Wild with Wheels (@wild_with_wheels) | Instagram and here on the blog.

Walking the North Downs Way

In 2021 I worked with Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Pied A Terre Adventures to become a North Downs Way ambassador. I have always loved the outdoors and was excited to share some of Kents beautiful scenery with others.

Then suddenly and unexpectedly my husband passed away and I needed time to support my family and come to terms with what had happened. I have used walking continuously enjoying the time and space the outdoors gives me.

Now in 2023 I would like to share with others the beautiful scenery in Kent and have set up guided walks that people can join for FREE.

My first walk is on Friday January 13th from Bekesbourne to Canterbury and is approximately 5k, if you would like to join me then book your place here.

With lots more exciting things to come in 2023 be sure to follow me on Instagram.

Standen House and Gardens – Christmas 2022

I took a slight detour today as I had a meeting in Tunbridge Wells, and I was travelling from Sussex. Standen House Christmas display had been brought to our attention last week and I am so glad I had time to make a visit.

The house and gardens created in the 1890’s by the Beale family has one of the most beautiful displays of Morris and Co work I have seen. Still today it has a cosy family feel to it and with the Christmas trees and decorations even more homely.

Each Christmas tree has a theme including the wishing tree, cup tree and a display of beautiful paper baubles inspired by William Morris.

As a part of the Christmas events there is a family pantomime trail through the garden, on those crisp autumn days this would be a great way to get outside and explore with the family. And you can enjoy the twilight openings to see the lights twinkle in the dark on the 10, 11,17, 18, 22 & 23 December, 3.30pm–6pm (last entry to the house is at 5pm).

Standen House and Gardens is a National Trust Property, memberships are great value and there are so many beautiful places across England, Wales and Northern Island that you can visit.

Monopoly Lifesized – London

As a part of a family weekend, we visited Monopoly Lifesized, and this is what we thought.

We had good fun and played on the city board but…

Price for six was £307 and we discussed at the end and decided it was expensive for what it was. In total there were four teams of six so 24 people in the room with four staff for the entire game. If you were a group of less than six you may be put with another group. Each team had a playing piece, our playing piece was great throughout the game. Some rooms were small and tight for 6 adults standing. The game lasted 90 minutes and we were kept busy the entire time. We did really well (we won) but some families with young children didn’t do so well with winning properties by completing the activities set. Some of the tasks would have been too high up for smaller children to read and complete.

The decor was great, and the game could be absolutely amazing if some adjustments were made.

The prize for winning was £5 to spend on pictures only, they take the pictures and are £20+, this seems a little pathetic and tight considering the cost and we didn’t use it.

Staff on entry and in the shop were ok but I felt like just a number to them and that they just wanted us in and out, a real shame as the characters were brilliant.

I booked a table at the Top Hat the restaurant and bar and I spent £57 for, 3 Pepsi, 2 cocktails, a glass of champagne and a red bull.

It was good fun we just felt it was expensive for what it was, and I was then sent a link to get 25% off my next visit the day after we visited!

Become a ranger for the day

So it’s nearly time to head to Kenya with The Big Cat Sanctuary.
So to celebrate I am running a competition to for one of you and a guest to become a ranger for the day.

To win this fantastic prize all you have to do is make a donation to my just giving page by 24th September 2022, all proceeds go straight to The Big Cat Sanctuary. For every £1 donated one entry will be entered, a random winner will be selected and announced online whilst I am in Kenya. Please note the winner will be announced online with details of how to claim, please do not accept any emails or messages contact me directly if you have any questions. Please ensure you leave your name in the comments section of your donation so I ensure you are entered.

The voucher will give you and one guest the opportunity to work alongside one of the keepers and help them tend to their beautiful cats. You will possibly assist with the cat feeding routines, possibly help providing enrichment items and hopefully leave with some fabulous photos of the day spent with some of the most awesome cats on the planet.
A light buffet lunch will be included. Your day will finish with the opportunity to hand feed one of the big cats.
No travel or accommodation is provided in this prize.

Please share with friends and family so that we can raise as much money as we can.

Important things when travelling

When travelling it’s very important to do and have some basic things, these include but are not limited to:
✅ have travel insurance
✅ research your destination so that you have a basic understanding of culture and things to be aware of whilst visiting
✅ check health requirements such as recommended or required vaccinations

If I hadn’t had travel insurance when Martin (my husband) passed away whilst we were abroad l don’t know what I would have done. They helped and guided me through the process of returning Martin back to the UK and paying for everything that was needed to do this. At that time the last thing I needed was more worry. I am also very lucky to have had such amazing friends that were travelling with us and supporting me.

You never think it’s going to be you but you just don’t know and if you’re happy to travel then you should make sure and be prepared to take on everything that comes with that.

Founders Hall – The Covid Bell

Made during the pandemic, between 2020 and 2021, Grayson Perry’s elaborately decorated bronze bell marks this unprecedented period whilst celebrating London’s great bells and their long history in marking time, mourning death and celebrating life.

You can visit Founders Hall to see the Covid Bell and more during this years open house including Sunday 11th September, Wednesday 14th September, Thursday 15th September and Friday 16th September.

Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Later this month I am off to work with The Big Cat Sanctuary’s conservation partners at the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya where I will learn more about the work that they undertake and support them in completing daily tasks.

Follow me to keep updated with the trip, win some fabulous prizes and take part in Q&A sessions.

Check out my fundraising page here.

Reconnect with Nature with Out to the Woods

With our fast-paced world where we are at the end of the phone or email in an instant connecting with nature is something that we should give time to.

Sunita and the team at Out to the Woods are based in Bicknor Kent and have created just that a woodland school in ancient woodland that is offering experiences to all ages.

What is Out to the Woods?

Out to the Woods is a Community Interest Company (CIC); they are a social enterprise, and their aim is to promote well-being and resilience by reconnecting the local community with nature.

What is Forest School?

“Forest School is an inspirational process that offers ALL learners regular opportunities to achieve, develop confidence and self-esteem, through hands on learning experiences in a local woodland or natural environment with trees.”

Forest School is a specialized approach that sits within and compliments the wider context of outdoor and woodland learning.

-Forest School Association-

Experience the Outdoors

Yesterday I was invited to experience some of the experiences that they offer, and I learnt how to make and cook chapatis and dahl; I also got to try the spiced potatoes which were delicious.

I was also lucky enough to make flower crowns with Avril and it was great fun playing and learning how to create my very own flower crown.

Woodfired Chapatis Experience – If you’re looking to book this experience, you get to choose to make Indian flat bread (chapatis) and lentils (dahl) OR you can choose to make stuffed Indian breads (parathas) from spiced cauliflower or spiced potatoes. Next date Sunday 10th July.

Flower Crowns – please contact the team at Out to the Woods to discuss having this added to an experience or if you would like to visit them to enjoy the woodland and just make flower crowns.

Friday Woodland Tots – enjoy some time with your little ones with these sessions each being themed around a well-loved toddler book. You will get the chance to build dens, cook on the fire, make crafts, play in the messy kitchen and more. Next term starts 9th September.

So why not take a bit of time out to enjoy nature and the tranquility of one of the woodlands of Kent and enjoy one of the Out to the Woods experiences.