Russell Gardens and Bushy Ruff Country Park

Bushy Ruff is a nature reserve which is set in the countryside adjoining Russell Gardens and opposite Kearsney Abbey Gardens. The lake is home to a variety of waterfowl and aquatic plants and the footpaths running alongside the lake and back through dappled woodland are popular with dog walkers. More adventurous visitors will enjoy clambering up the steep slopes and following paths into the hillside woods. Whilst the attractive bridges, sunken garden and ornamental waterways of Russell Gardens down below are the perfect place for a gentle stroll. The Russell Gardens were part of the Kearsney Court, a Victorian mansion. The gardens of the Kearnsey Court were designed by Thomas Mawson in 1901. His skill in linking house to garden by terraces and flights of steps to give views of lower gardens and sweeping lawns was an important contribution to the art of garden design between 1900 and 1920, and this is one of the few examples of his work in Kent. Today the gardens are managed by Dover District Council and the lily pond of the upper terrace has now been converted to a sunken garden and is flanked by lawn tennis courts.