Kent Day Walk & Visit to DARES

Saturday October 19th
10.30am-4.30pm approx (exact times TBC)

As part of a new series exploring experiments in community building, we'll be combining a walk through the Kent countryside with a visit to DARES.

Located within a rewilded corner of Kent, DARES is a meeting place where activists from diverse groups can come to come together to rest and cross-pollinate ideas. Since 2023, DARES has been led by a core team of 10-20 people, alongside a wider community of part-time visitors and remote advocates, with a dedicated group that lives on-site, tending to the land, local wildlife, and the experiences of the visitors that come through.

In the morning, we'll take the train to Cowden* and hike to DARES where we'll stop for lunch and learn more about the project. We'll then hike to Hever in the afternoon where we'll catch the train back to London.

Please note that we will be walking for a total of four to five hours at a brisk pace, so you will need a good level of fitness.

Route and timings
8.55am: Meet at London Bridge for the 09.07 train to Cowden (destination Uckfield)
OR
08.45: Meet at Victoria for the 08.54 train to Hastings, changing at East Croyden and joining the Uckfield train which leaves East Croydon at 09:22am.
09.53am: Train arrives at Cowden
10.00am: Set off on our walk (approx 3 hours) via the scenic route to DARES (taking in a sweet chestnut coppice, viewing point and Landmark Trust cottage).
1pm: Arrive for lunch at DARES, with intro to and discussion about the project.
2.30pm: Either walk to Hever station via the scenic route, or take a more direct route and visit Hever Castle.
5:04pm: Take the train from Hever to London Bridge (or Victoria via East Croydon).

Fuller Description of DARES
"Since 2019, DARES has existed in support of groups and individuals working to stop the harm caused by climate and social injustice, while also building the foundations for more just and beautiful futures. Located within a rewilded corner of Kent, DARES has become a resting place for activists and a gateway for people lost in a time of social upheaval. Visitors come out of curiosity, and leave with a deeper connection to the land, fresh perspectives and valuable connections within the climate justice movement. 

"DARES is also a meeting place where diverse groups and theories of change come together. Groups, such as Just Stop Oil, Movement Ecology Collective and Safe Landing, may find themselves sitting by the bio-pool sharing a meal and cross-pollinating ideas together. In 2023, DARES became a co-created vision and has since been led by a core team of 10-20 people, alongside a wider community of part-time visitors and remote advocates. A dedicated group lives on-site, tending to the land, local wildlife, and the experiences of the visitors that come through."

*Please note the change of station where we'll start the walk.

Cost: You will need to buy your own train ticket. Lunch will be prepared for us by DARES. Optional donations to the project welcomed.