On Wednesday 8th May we met with Southeastern and members of Bearsted CAN, the Bearsted and Thurnham Society and Bearsted Parish Council to discuss the potential for a community adoption of the station.

It was wonderful to hear ideas from so many people about how community engagement could improve the station environment.

Thoughts included:

– New display boards for art from the local primary school, or to provide history and tourism information.
– Sponsorship from local businesses to introduce planters in front of the station and on the platforms, filled with herbs and drought resistant plants. 
– Installing swift boxes on the lift towers to create homes for wildlife.
– Adding waymarking footprints to guide people from the station to a proposed new crossing on Ware Street.
– Crochet adornments made by craft groups that meet twice a week in the library at the station.
– Additional benches on the platform and indoor seating and tables for enjoying cake and coffee from the cafe bar.
– Community help with litter-picking, cleaning onward travel information boards, and refreshing paintwork on railings away from trackside areas.

There will be further meetings arranged by the various community groups already involved to ensure local opinion is canvassed as the adoption proceeds.

We are already excited by the enthusiasm shown by the local community to adopt Bearsted station. Get in touch with us if you would like to get involved.