Strood Rural

Strood Rural ward encompasses the northernmost section of the Medway unitary authority, characterised by a mix of farmland, woodland, and scattered settlements. The area includes the villages of Frindsbury Extra, Upper Upnor, and Chattenden, set amidst the gentle slopes of the North Downs. Large tracts of land are dedicated to agriculture, with fields and orchards defining much of the landscape. The ward's western boundary is marked by the course of the River Medway.

The area contains several significant historical sites, including the remains of Upnor Castle, a 16th-century artillery fort overlooking the river. Much of the eastern part falls within the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, featuring public footpaths and areas of ancient woodland. The presence of former military installations, now largely repurposed, adds a distinct layer to the local history and land use.