New benches at Minster green spaces
Published
Thursday 13 November, 2025
Updated
Friday 14 November, 2025
Six benches have been installed in Swale Borough Council’s (SBC) green spaces in Minster, thanks to help from a community group and the parish council.
People can now take a moment to enjoy Scrapsgate village green on four new recycled and refurbished benches, paid for by the Minster-on-Sea Parish Council.
The much-loved field is often used by the local community including horse riders, dog walkers and picnickers, who will now be able to enjoy the park more comfortably.
Two benches were also built and installed in the nearby green space “The Glen” by volunteers from Milton Creek Country Park and Swale Borough Council’s green spaces ranger.
These new benches overlook the pond which, thanks to the council’s efforts last year, was transformed from a fly-tipping hotspot into a beautiful habitat teeming with life.
Swale Borough Council removed silt, rubbish and debris from the dried-up pond - helping it to retain its water during the drier periods - and reduced the tree cover, which are all key for improving biodiversity.
There was also work done to refine the banks and the surrounding landscaping, improving the overall appearance and safety of the area.
Cllr Dolley Wooster, chair of Swale Borough Council’s Environmental Services and Climate Change Committee, said:
“It is great to see these benches going into these important green spaces. Swale Borough Council will continue to work with partners to support enjoyment of our green spaces.
“It is also amazing to see the life returning to the pond at the Glen. Thanks to the works we did last year, anyone visiting these areas can enjoy the areas unique environment by resting on these new benches.
“By removing the sediment and clearing the trees we helped the pond retain its water and, by doing this, helped boost its biodiversity.”
Cllr Elliott Jayes, chair of the Minster-on-Sea Parish Council, said:
“These new benches will offer people a place to rest and relax within Minster’s beautiful natural environment.
“We want to encourage people to get out and active and adding infrastructure like this helps make our green spaces more accessible for all our residents.
“We are pleased to be able to work together with Swale Borough Council to invest in our wonderful green spaces."
