Berengrave Local Nature Reserve (LNR) was once a chalk pit which provided chalk for use in cement production. Now it provides a unique habitat for a variety of wildlife, including reptiles, amphibians, birds and mammals.
The Berengrave LNR improvement project aims to improve access and ecological value on the site.
The project is funded by various developer contributions to help improve the nature reserve
A consultation in January 2020 helped shape future improvements to the reserve.
Read the Berengrave Local Nature Reserve survey feedback.
Completed work
Since the consultation various works have taken place, including:
- appointing consultants and ecologists to do site-wide surveys to see how best we can improve the site
- updating the management plan with actions for works to benefit the ecological value of the site
- new hazard signs at the entrances
- new and refurbished noticeboards at the entrances with refreshed interpretation signs
- access improvements on the site including a new entrance from Greensleeves Road (Kingfisher Green Estate)
- improved safety barriers installed at the viewing points
- tree works around the wooded and pond areas to improve biodiversity and safety on site, allowing natural light into the areas for the local fauna and flora to flourish
- additional seating
- information panels to tell the history and ecology of the site
- layered and dead hedges to give safe havens for nesting birds
- installing waymarkers to guide you through the nature reserve
- Riverside Country Park Rangers carrying out works with help for local volunteers.
The access consultants reviewed the options to replace the circular boardwalk and improve access around the site. Unfortunately, replacing the old boardwalk was not feasible due to significant costs.
Instead, access improvements have been made which give seasonal access around the site, rather than a circular route. This is from Lower Rainham Road to the washmill, Greensleeves Road (Kingfisher Green Estate) and pond. At times of flooding, you will not be able to get beyond the pond at the lower section.
If you have any queries on this project or would like more information, please email yournew@medway.gov.uk.
Lower Rainham Road entrance.
Tree works to improve safety and biodiversity, with logs left on site for a habitat pile.
Berengrave LNR pond after 1 year of tree regeneration
