Bearsted Woodland Trust

Updated June 11, 2025

## Bearsted Woodland Trust (Maidstone): What to Know Before You Go

Summary: A community-managed woodland and meadow east of Maidstone with step-free paths, an accessible gate (RADAR key), children’s play area, fitness trail, and clear wayfinding. Entry is free. The Trust’s own page lists a free car park off the A20 with set hours; a separate news item says that A20 car park was “closed until further notice” (14 Oct 2023). Use the Church Lane/Bearsted Green car park if the A20 gate is shut. I’ve flagged these conflicts below with sources so you can plan confidently.

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### Exact location & how to get in
– Main on-foot entrance: Opposite Bearsted Bowls Club on Church Landway. Additional pedestrian access points at Holy Cross Church, Roundwell, the A20 footpath gate, and Sutton Street (RADAR-key gate for wheelchairs/scooters).
– Coordinates & map references (from BWT):
– Lat/Long: 51.267505, 0.584992
– OS Grid Ref: TQ 80431 55213 (6-figure TQ804552)
– what3words: landings.dance.supposes.
– Driving & parking: The Trust’s Location page lists a free BWT car park off the A20 (Ashford Road), open daily 08:00–18:00, gate locked at closing (SATNAV ME14 4NG). It also signposts a free Church Lane car park via Bearsted Green (ME14 4EE).

> Important parking note (potentially outdated/conflicting): A News post dated 14 October 2023 states the BWT car park is closed until further notice; no subsequent “reopened” update appears on the News page up to July 2025. If the A20 car park is closed when you arrive, use Church Lane (ME14 4EE).

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### Accessibility essentials (step-free detail)
– Surface & gradients: BWT confirms gentle-gradient paths with hard surfaces in places, designed for wheelchairs, buggies and mobility scooters. Surfaces may be slightly bumpy after wear.
– Accessible gate: Sutton Street has a RADAR-key gate that opens wider for wheelchairs and scooters. RADAR keys are available at Maidstone Link (King Street); BWT notes proof of disability is required and lists a small cash fee.
– Parking for Blue Badge holders: BWT states no designated disabled parking on site; the large Church (Bearsted Green) car park is close to the main Church Landway entrance.
– Always-open access: The land is free and always open for walkers, cyclists, wheelchairs, buggies and mobility scooters. No toilets on site.

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### What you’ll find on site (confirmed by BWT)
– Area & habitat: The Trust manages 28 acres of woodland and meadow between Church Landway and Roundwell, with wildlife information boards and native tree planting.
– Children’s facilities: A children’s play area plus a maze are listed under visitor info.
– Fitness Trail: Six outdoor fitness stations installed July 2019 in the Main Field (chin-ups, sit-ups, balance beams, horizontal ladder, stepping logs, parallel bars). Suggested for ages 14+.
– Orienteering: BWT publishes a beginner orienteering course (PDF) used by local Scouts; you can try it on a visit.
– Dog-walking policy: BWT explains the land borders the busy A20 and cannot be dog-proof; keep close control, bag waste, and use the Maidstone Council co-mingled bins around the site.

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### Governance, awards & contacts
– Who runs it: Bearsted Woodland Trust (Charity no. 1103585), founded 2003 (Richard Ashness) and expanded via land donations to 28 acres. Current trustees and management roles are listed on the BWT site.
– Quality mark: BWT received the Green Flag Community Award 2025–26 and notes it has gained the award every year since 2011.
– Visitor contact (BWT): 07807 917533 (voicemail), postal: 8 Fauchons Lane, Bearsted, ME14 4AH.
– Official registry listing: Charity Commission page shows office contact details at Mote Hall Barn, Church Lane, ME14 4EE and a land area of benefit at Church Landway. Register

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### Practical planning checklist
– Entrances & wayfinding: Use Church Landway opposite the Bowls/Tennis Clubs for the main gate; photograph the onsite map or note the grid ref for orientation.
– Facilities: No toilets or café listed by BWT; plan stops in Bearsted/Maidstone.
– Mobility: If you rely on wide gate access, approach via Sutton Street (RADAR gate) and carry your RADAR key. Surfaces are generally firm but can be bumpy.
– Parking backup: If the A20 car park is shut, target Church Lane (ME14 4EE) by Bearsted Green instead.

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### Data notes & known inconsistencies (flagged for accuracy)
– Acreage: BWT’s own pages state 28 acres; several third-party/local listings still cite 26 acres. Treat 26 acres as out-of-date.
– Car park status: The Location page lists daily 08:00–18:00 hours for the A20 car park, but a News item says it was “closed until further notice” on 14 Oct 2023, and there’s no later News post announcing a reopening. Verify on the day; if closed, use Church Lane.

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### At-a-glance (copy/paste for your itinerary)
– Place: Bearsted Woodland Trust, Maidstone (free entry)
– Main entrance: Church Landway (opposite Bowls Club)
– Back-up parking: Church Lane via Bearsted Green (ME14 4EE)
– Lat/Long: 51.267505, 0.584992 · w3w: landings.dance.supposes
– Good to know: Step-free paths; RADAR-key gate at Sutton Street; no toilets; dog-waste bins provided by Maidstone Borough Council.

Sources: Official BWT pages (visitor info, location/coordinates, accessibility, entrances, fitness trail, orienteering, governance), Charity Commission record, and BWT news feed for status changes.

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