Home   Gravesend   News   Article

Bikers have wreaked havoc at Shorne Woods Country Park near Gravesend

Off-road bikers have wreaked havoc at a woodland beauty spot used by ramblers, dog walkers and children.

The yobs have broken into the award-winning Shorne Woods Country Park, near Gravesend, overnight and carved up turf in the meadow near the children’s play area.

Bikers have ripped up a meadow at Shorne Woods Country Park
Bikers have ripped up a meadow at Shorne Woods Country Park

The park has been targeted despite its owner, Kent County Council (KCC), stepping up security measures including installing extra cameras.

A KCC spokesperson said: "Unfortunately, the grass near the play areas at Shorne Woods Country Park was damaged.

“This was caused by the use of bikes on the evening of Saturday, January 18 while the park was closed.

“This type of incident is not uncommon and has happened at other local countryside sites in the past.

“Motorised vehicles are not allowed on any of our country parks at any time, and pedal bikes are only allowed on specific routes.

“This is clearly signposted to visitors, and whilst site staff enforce these rules where possible, we rely on the help from park users and the local community to report any antisocial activity.

“Please report any issues either directly to the police or to the KCC Country Parks team.”

Last year, high-tech cameras were placed in car parks at KCC-owned parks across the county to help enforce parking charges.

At Shorne Woods, 1,379 fines were issued for failing to pay, the highest number of offenders.

KCC says the money is put back into the maintenance of its sites after the cost of the cameras is deducted.

Award-winning Shorne Woods Country Park has been targeted by off-road bikers
Award-winning Shorne Woods Country Park has been targeted by off-road bikers

The 293-acre park, a consistent winner of the annual Green Flag award, boasts picnic areas, walking trails, a volunteer garden and fishing lake.

It is also home to one of Kent’s parkruns - free weekly 5k runs that encourage people to get active.

Once part of the medieval Cobham Hall estate, it was used in the Second World War as an Army camp.

Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More