Lynsted with Kingsdown Parish Council has submitted a report to Swale planning officers on the air quality impacts of the Highsted Park housing application. This development, together with the Northern site on land to the West of Teynham, would result in 8,400 new homes being built in our community.
This report is the first in a series and is the result of collaboration with Teynham, Tonge and Doddington Parish Councils.
You can read the air quality appraisal HERE
Julien Speed (right), Chairman of Lynsted with Kingsdown Parish Council, cuts the ribbon of the new herb well-being garden with Trevor Sharp, the landscape architect who designed the garden.
A new herb ‘well-being’ garden was officially opened on Saturday in Lynsted.
The dedicated area has been designed as a haven to celebrate the culinary and health benefits of herbs.
It sits in the heart of the fruit and vegetable plot at Lynsted Community Kitchen Garden.
This collaborative food growing project was set up in 2021 and has already achieved local and national recognition.
It won Silver in the Wilder Kent Awards, organised by the Kent Wildlife Trust. This recognised their work towards climate-resilient approaches to growing and gardening.
The Community Garden also won an Achievement Award in the 'Growing Together Award 2023 for Community Gardening' run by BBC's The One Show and the Royal Horticultural Society.
“We have planned an attractive, relaxing area with sections of timber raised beds, at different heights, to allow everyone to access and experience the textures, tastes and aromas of the herbs,” explains Founder, Vanessa Ross Russell.
“It’s a place to explore their sensory benefits. We hope to create an exchange of ideas around all aspects of herbs - including health, diet, cooking workshops, biodiversity and gardening.
“We are very grateful to the BUPA Foundation Community Green Grant and My Society charity for funding”.
The opening ceremony was conducted by Julien Speed, Chairman of Lynsted with Kingsdown Parish Council.
“I’m immensely proud that Lynsted has been at the forefront of such an innovative approach to gardening.
“The herb garden will be an important local sanctuary space for mental well-being, with its Hazel dome structure and areas for quiet contemplation,” commented Cllr Speed.
“The Community Garden has also planted 500 hedgerow whips and 120 trees this year - despite the challenges posed by rabbits, slugs and endless days of winter rain".
For more info or to join the Lynsted Community Kitchen Garden: https://www.lynstedkitchengarden.com/about-us
You can read HERE the Chairman's Report summarising the Parish Council's activities in 2023 - 2024.
A litter pick has been arranged for Saturday 27 April. We will meet outside the Co-op on London Road at 10am and head towards the centre of Lynsted, ending up with a well-deserved drink at the Black Lion...! Last year we collected 35 sacks of rubbish.
This year we expect to pick up even more, given the current problems with overflowing bins and windy conditions.
All Lynsted residents are welcome to join us. See poster HERE