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Berengrave Chalk Pit’s hidden heritage to be revealed
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Berengrave Chalk Pit’s hidden heritage to be revealed
Location: Kent
Schoolchildren and conservation volunteers to study the Medway pit's industrial history and its effect on the landscape under Local Heritage Initiative scheme
The story of Berengrave Chalk Pit, in Rainham, Kent, will be told to visitors on guided walks, led by specially trained volunteers who will bring the heritage of the pit to life and explain how it affected the landscape of the area.
The pit was previously used for chalk extraction to feed the local cement industry and flints for building and pottery. In 1984, it was designated a local nature reserve. Closed to the public since 2001, a separate project is working to restore public access to the area. It is hoped that the combined projects will encourage the local community to take more exercise around its new walkways, learn how it affected the development of the local area and take a pride in its history.
A Local Heritage Initiative (LHI) grant of more than £13,000 will pay for the production of 10,000 leaflets and 7 interpretation panels which will be sited near key features in the pit. Information packs will be produced for schools, and community heritage folders will be available in four local centres.
Historical research, oral history recording and interpretation techniques are among the new skills to be acquired by volunteers as they investigate the pit's industrial history and its effect on the local landscape and wildlife. The people taking part in the research, including the Friends of Berengrave, will also be trained to lead guided walks around the area, where a future project will create paths suitable for disabled access.
Brian Baker, chairman of the local community group, Friends of Berengrave, says: “Many local people don’t even realise the pit is there, much less what it is, the effect it has had on local development or its current importance for flora and fauna. Very little information about the history of the pit is readily available, but we're approaching residents, the local records office and other archives to find out more. Both historically and environmentally, it's a fascinating place to visit. We hope many more people will visit when the new walkways and interpretation boards are in place.”
A massive £29,000 of in-kind contributions has been raised, together with professional support from Medway Council's green space and archives officers.
Chris Dashper, LHI Head of Communications, says: “This project provides a brilliant opportunity to open up an area to more people. It's sure to increase community spirit and create a sense of pride and interest and we’re also hoping it will encourage people to get out and take more exercise as they find out more about this fascinating site."
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