Main objectives of this project
To provide a nature walk and natural screen on the land which runs along side the Channel Tunnel Rail Link (CTRL) in Charing Heath and Lenham Heath. The project could extend from the Pincushion near Newlands Farm, Charing to Sandway in Lenham. The project would broadly meet the following criteria:
* Planting of trees to provide woodland links between existing (and newly planted) woodland and to more effectively screen the CTRL.
* Planting of native British trees, shrubs, grasses and flowers to create a natural woodland environment. It is hoped that this would encourage an increase in the local wild populations of animals, birds and plants.
* Providing suitable footpaths for people wanting to walk or cycle, and linking these to existing footpaths to provide a safe and interesting environment for all members of the community to use.
* Increasing the length of the current bridle way to link more effectively with other areas of the local villages.
* Providing walks and areas of wildlife which can be used by local schools to increase children's understanding and ownership of the countryside.
* Providing a "beads on a string" type of nature walk. Each "bead" would not necessarily be able to provide all of the following facilities: horse riding, cycle rides, sculpture, swings, nature reserves or picnics, but each would have their own character and their own specialties.
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Why this project should go ahead
* Although there is an obligation by Union Railways to plant trees its' obligation to maintain the areas is limited to 5 years. Unmanaged this land could easily become an eyesore rather than a community resource.
* The noise and visual pollution of the M20 and the CTRL does not just affect those who live North of this transport corridor, but anyone who goes outside and walks in the area. From the North Downs this area is both audible and visible.
* Several local schools have expressed an interest in the idea of getting the local children to help plant trees in the area and gain some sense of ownership for this project and the countryside.
* If the area is planted up as woodland etc then it will be possible under the new Countryside and Rights of Way Act to dedicate, in perpetuity, the land as open access land.
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