Visitor Management and Interpretation Plans for Cobham Great Park, Kent
In 2002, we prepared visitor management and interpretation plans for the Humphrey Repton-designed gardens and parkland surrounding the Grade 1 listed Cobham Hall situated between Gravesend and the Medway towns. The work was commissioned by the Cobham-Ashenbank Management Scheme (CAMS). A £4.98m HLF grant was awarded for restoration of the grounds and the Darnley Mausoleum.
In 2004, we were asked by CAMS and Kent CC to prepare an Audience Development Plan (ADP) for Cobham Great Park which comprises Cobham Park and the adjacent Shorne Wood Country Park. The Country Park is the proposed focus for outdoor activity for this section of the expanding Thames Gateway region. Our work contributed to the successful bid for ODPM funding for investment in the Park, including the new eco-friendly visitor centre.
In early 2006, we were asked by Forest Enterprise to prepare an ADP for Jeskyn’s Farm, adjacent to Cobham Park. The farm had been acquired by ODPM for use as public open space, managed by Forest Enterprise. The site is now open for use integrated with Cobham Park. This led to a similar ADP exercise for Plantlife, who had acquired Ranscombe Farm to the east of Cobham. A large part of the site is an SSSI all within the Kent Downs AONB. Ranscombe Farm is one of British botany's classic sites, and a favourite haunt of wild-plant enthusiasts for hundreds of years. It is Plantlife's largest nature reserve in England.
