New allotments in Broomfield

Herne and Broomfield Parish Council have this year established a new allotment site next to the BMX track at Herne on land previously used as farm land. The site was set up as a response to local demand. An active site association has been formed to look after the site on a day to day basis, and there are about 50 full size plots available.

There are plenty of people that have taken up plots, and the site is well supported. Fencing is being improved sustainable water supply is being sourced, and on site storage for tools and supplies is being arranged.

Broomfield Woodland park and BMX Track

In 2008 Herne and Broomfield Parish Council began a project to create a Community Woodland Park on a former landfill site. A regional competition standard BMX track has been constructed, which is the first of its kind in Kent. This project also provides the local community with a quality public open space with opportunities for informal recreation, enjoying wildlife, and enjoying the view.

Tree and hedge planting has been carried out and is establishing well. The site receives support from Kent County Council, Entrust, SERCO, and the city council.

Curtis Wood and Broomfield Ponds

The council continues to work with the Friends of Broomfield and Curtis Wood Ponds on the delivery of the management plan for these two sites. The management plan is based in the CABE space template.

The Friends of group was established in 1994. It has a membership of 150 and represents 48 local households. Each family pays an annual subscription and any funds raised, including grant aid, helps towards running costs and purchasing equipment.

The group meet on a regular basis and carry out tasks to keep the ponds in good condition. These activities have included fixing bird boxes, coppicing, clearing vegetation and clearing rubbish. Other community groups such as the Girl Guides have recently taken part in tidying activities as well as bulb planting.