Bowens Field is an informal recreation area, adjacent to the Great Stour. It is thought that this site was one of the last areas to be farmed in Ashford; it belonged to a local livestock trader called Sid Bowen, and he is commemorated on a plaque at the entrance to the site from Victoria Park. This area was also adjacent to the town’s lido (outdoor swimming pool) which was built in 1867 and was at the time the largest in Britain. The site is now a flood storage area consisting of damp grassland, with a large pond where banded demoiselle, blue tailed damselfly, azure damselfly, smooth newt, and common frog have been recorded.

Access Information

Gradient: Flat

Surfaces:
Tarmac surfaced dual footpath/cyclepath.

Resting places: No benches on site.

Hazards: River.

Links:
To Victoria Park - follow the main riverside path west (towards the fountain)
To Civic Centre South Park - follow the main path east, across Romney Marsh Road, past the International Station, through the underpass under the railway. Turn left towards the town centre to the edge of the park.