A new website showcases two major parks following completion of a £3.1 million programme of improvements on them.

The site kearsneyparks.co.uk is for Kearsney Abbey and Russell Gardens in Dover and is designed by the district council.

It also covers Bushy Ruff and helps people to plan their visit and explore the upgraded visitor facilities of the parks, and learn about their history and plants and animals.

They can also keep up to date with the latest news and find out ways to get involved through volunteering.

The website is designed to be viewed on devices ranging from smartphones and tablets to desktop computers.

Kearsney Abbey and Russell Gardens, on either side of Alkham Road, are the most significant heritage parks in Dover district.

Russell Gardens is Grade II listed in The Historic England Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in England.

Kearsney Abbey contains many Grade II listed features and is classed as the most popular public park in the district.

The two sites benefited from the Parks for People project funded by the National Lottery.

This saw a major programme of restoration of natural and built heritage throughout the parks, along with improvements to visitor facilities. This included:

The restoration of Thomas Mawson’s circa1900 landscape design for Russell Gardens.

The restoration of the Grade II Listed billiards room in Kearsney Abbey.

A new café and visitor facilities building in Kearsney Abbey.

Recreating the circular lakeside walk in Kearsney Abbey including a new bridge.

Opening culverts to improve natural habitats in the River Dour.

A programme of educational resources and activities linked to the National Curriculum.

Cllr Oliver Richardson, Dover District Council cabinet member for corporate property, said:

“We know that for many first-time visitors and people new to the area, the website is often the first place they turn to for information. It’s a great way to promote these fantastic public parks.”