SCHOOLS across Kent should take an interest in the county’s newest stretch of countryside, to encourage a love of nature for children and future generations.

That was the message from conservationist Dr David Bellamy when he officially opened Fowlmead Country Park near Deal.

He said: "This is a fantastic place and has great capabilities. Get the children here and get local schools involved.

"Young people will understand how important it is and they could eventually become park rangers. There is a green renaissance happening at Fowlmead.

"It will be a wonderful, wonderful place for children and their grandchildren."

The writer and television presenter braved the continual rain to tour the country park and officially open the new landscape.

It has been created on the former spoil tip of Betteshanger Colliery where coal production ended in 1989.

During the past eight years the 120-hectares of bleak landscape of shale and coal dust has been transformed into a rolling panorama of woodland, country walks, lakes, open-air terraces for art and tracks for cyclists and runners.

About £19 million of government money has been spent regenerating the former colliery area, which also includes a new business park.

FULL REPORT IN THIS WEEK'S EAST KENT MERCURY