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• Managing Organisation:

  Swale Borough Council

• Contact:

  Sheila Smith

• Telephone:

  01795424341 

• Website:

  Click here to visit website

• View Map:

  Click here for winner's location

Information about this open space

Originally created as to absorb accidental blasts and provide sound insulation, the woodland at Oare Gunpowder Works Country Park has evolved into a complex and valuable wildlife habitat.  Together with a lake, marshland and open grassland, it provides habitats for a varied range of wildlife, while remaining a calm green backdrop to the remains of the 19th and 20th century manufacturing buildings.  Visitors can arrive at any time and at no charge follow the marked trails leading through the woodland and glades and past the millpond to discover the remains of the centuries-old gunpowder industry. The Visitor Centre, the old cooperage where barrels were made to transport the gunpowder, is open to the public from 10.30am to 4.30pm on weekends and public holidays from April to November inclusive.  Stewards, assisted by keen volunteers, will welcome you to the site and guide you round the displays of old photographs and models which with accompanying information will take you on a journey through the history of gunpowder manufacturing both local and national. The free car park is also open at these hours as well as on weekdays from 9am to 5pm.  Volunteers also undertake conservation work on a monthly basis and have recently formed Friends of Oare Gunpowder Works Country Park (FROG) with the aim of getting involved in particular projects in the park. Many local schools benefit from an environmental and cultural education programme run by Groundwork which makes use of all aspects of the site including the classroom.