The Shrubbery.

Oaten Hill, along with Longport, forms two of the City of Canterbury's five historic medieval suburbs. In April 1974 a planning application was submitted to convert the house known as The Shrubbery, (see picture below) located at the junction of Oaten Hill and Upper Chantry Lane, into offices.

If successful this would have led to the many fine trees in the garden being pulled down.

Local residents went into action and the trees were saved. The Oaten Hill and District Society (OHDS) was also born. Today, OHDS is a lively and active amenity society with a written constitution.

Currently with some 250 members, OHDS is concerned with preserving the distinctive character of what is one of the most interesting and diverse areas of Canterbury.

An energetic Local History Group forms a key element of the Society's work. A Committee administers the affairs of the Society with the opportunity to serve being open to all members.