Dickens Country
If you live in or visit the area between the North Downs and the Isle of Grain you may have stood on a hill and looked out towards the Thames or the Medway. Perhaps you wished you knew more about this Dickens’ countryside, and felt that the good things you see could be lost forever. That’s why a small group of people started the Dickens’ Country Protection Society over 35 years ago and membership has grown significantly.
The protected area
The Society watches over the former Strood Rural District Council area, consisting of the parishes of Higham (where Charles Dickens lived and worked for his last 14 years) and the surrounding parishes he knew so well. To the south and west are Shorne, Cobham, Meopham, Luddesdown, Cuxton, and parts of Chalk; to the north and east Cliffe & Cliffe Woods, Cooling, St. Mary’s Hoo, High Halstow , Allhallows, Stoke, St. James’ Grain, Hoo St. Werburgh (Hoo and Chattenden) and Frindsbury Extra (Wainscott and Upnor).
Protection not preservation
Not all change is damaging to the area and the Society is working alone and with others to improve and protect the area for present and future generations. The Society is consulted by many local, regional and national bodies regarding developments in our area and takes an active part where necessary and are one of the bodies selected to take part in the examination in public of the Kent Structure Plan.
The Local Organisation for Local People
Mrs Lippiatt (Hon. Secretary) Tel: 01322 275389