The Village
Painters Forstal
Painters Forstal is a small village that sits in the centre of the Parish of Ospringe and forms part of an Area of Outstanding Beauty.
The village takes it’s name from Painters Farm, a 16th-century farmhouse on the edge of the village and the term Forstal means ‘the land in front of the farm’. The village itself straddles a junction on an ancient drovers road, has a small green with a children’s play area and has the Shepherd Neame pub, The Alma, conveniently located for meals, quizzes and social events.
For more information about the Parish, visit the Ospringe Parish council website.
The Alma Pub
The Alma pub is run by Richard and Clare Annand and their sons Dominic and Culum.
This country pub is a hive of activity with regular quiz nights, musical events and of course serving both lunches and evening meals either within the 16th-century surroundings or in the beer garden.
Safe for children, and dog-friendly too, the garden is a lovely spot to soak up some summer sun. And you can even have a game of bat and trap - an essential part of any authentic Kentish pub experience!
For more information or opening times please visit www.almafaversham.co.uk
Bay Orchard Smallholdings
Bay Orchard Smallholdings is a village-based free-range smallholding started in 2020 by Doug and Gina Baseden.
They have turned their hands to producing affordable organic and free-range products for local residents.
Free-range eggs are already available to buy and coming in 2021 will be hand-reared pork and lamb.
To place an order or to find out more contact Gina or Doug on 07973828585 or message them via the Bay Orchard Smallholding Facebook page.
Painters Farm
Painters Farm previously a working farm and in more recent years a popular campsite, was sold in 2020.
Fortunately for the village, it was sold to a local resident who is retaining its campsite status. After a lot of renovations over the winter months, the campsite will be ready to welcome its first campers in April 2021.
For more information visit the TripAdvisor page.
Ospringe Church
The church sits between the villages of Painters Forstal and Ospringe and is known as the Ospringe Parish Church of St Paul and St Peter.
A stunning Grade II listed building, built in the early 1200’s, it sits in a slightly elevated location, surrounded and protected by an array of mature trees. To find out when the church is open and for a list of services visit their Facebook page.
Lorenden Park
The Lorenden Parkland Trust was formed in 1991 by Robert Midlane the former owner of Lorenden House. Lorenden House has since become an independent prep school but the parkland (which dates back to the 12th century), was left to the local community to utilise and is held in trust for that purpose. The aim of the Trust is to conserve the historic parkland estate and the local wildlife that live there.
There are a number of footpaths through the estate and over the years it has become a popular area for dog walkers, ramblers and picnickers as well as serving as a shortcut for locals walking into Faversham.
Painters Forstal Gardening Club
Founded in December 1979, the Painters Forstal Gardeners' Club provides a welcoming environment for gardeners of all abilities with gardens and allotments great and small to meet, exchange tips, share knowledge and to socialise. They have regular meetings, many of which will host a talk by either one of the club members or a visiting guest.
Find out more here.
If you are a local business or organisation that wants to link to PFCA through this site please contact us here