A project to link two sections of community woodland is complete - and a party will be held today to celebrate.

The Bearsted Woodland Trust’s “Access For All” scheme was financed by a grant of £78,000 after it scooped the People’s Millions Lottery cash contest last November.

The trust was the clear winner after a record 18,904 people voted for it - gaining 1,500 more votes than for any of 114 other environmental schemes competing for funding across the whole country.

The money has been used to create paths down the two sides of the steep Lilk Valley, and a bridge over the stream, so that the two separate sections of land could be joined.

It means the whole of the 16 acres is now fully accessible, even to wheelchair-users or parents with push-chairs.

The money has also enabled the trust to erect chestnut fencing, handrails and information boards.

Cllr Paul Carter (Con), the leader of KCC, Lord Sandy Bruce Lockhart, the former KCC leader, and Hugh Robertson (Con), MP for Faversham and Mid-Kent will be among the VIPs present at the official opening ceremony today.

Hundreds of villagers, who have contributed either financially, or through voluntary labour, are expected too.

The opening is at 2pm in the trust land at Church Meadow, adjacent to the Elizabeth Harvie field. Parking at Elizabeth Harvie or pedestrians may enter via the path alongside the Holy Cross Church, Bearsted. All welcome.

• For further information about the Bearsted Woodland Trust call 01622 632682 or email peter@bearstedwoodlandtrust.org

Read more about why the woodland is the pride of Bearsted in this Friday's Kent Messenger.