The Friends of Rochester Churchfields & Esplanade (FoRCE) was inaugurated in January 2020 with the aim of helping to protect, conserve and enhance the green space and river walks of Rochester Esplanade and Churchfields (also known as Backfields) for the enjoyment and well-being of local residents and visitors.
Our committee meets once a month, and we are also currently running monthly Task where volunteers litter pick in the local area and continue to clear and replant the existing raised garden beds into an accessible sensory area for visitors of all ages and abilities. Our key themes for activities are green, clean, social, wildlife and wellbeing, and we have other projects planned for the future.
Access and facilities in the general area is good with a mixture of paid for, residents and free parking along the roadway. We have numerous benches, a children’s play area, gym equipment, picnic table benches and public and disabled toilets are available nearby in the castle grounds and in Northgate, off Rochester High Street. There are plenty of cafes, restaurants, and public houses, along the High Street for refreshments.
Accessibility to the Esplanade Park is averagely good with, some tarmac level paths, though some paths are stone and have eroded. Paths on Churchfields are tarmac, but on a steep incline and not level – poor accessibility for all but the lowest level roadside path. The river walk between Rochester Bridge and Baty’s Marsh is flat and easily accessible – up to 2 miles each way – and do look out for the swans!
The best features of our greenspaces are the 360-degree views including Rochester Castle and Rochester Bridge – and, looking West, some amazing sunsets.
Contact details:
Email: contact@esplanadefriends.org.uk
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/FriendsoftheEsplanade
Facebook Group: Rochester FoRCE Volunteers
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rochester_force/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/esplanadefot
Website: esplanadefriends.org.uk
Medway Urban Greenspaces Forum 