What is the project timeline and when will the park close and reopen again?
Bradbourne Lakes will close to the public on 28 September 2026 to allow the restoration works to be carried out safely and efficiently.
During the closure, a range of restoration and improvement works will be carried out, including lake repairs, habitat enhancements, footpath improvements, landscaping, and the installation of a toilet and children's play features. The southern-side lakes will be desilted and the lake banks repaired first, followed by the northern side of the park.
The park is expected to reopen in summer 2027.
This programme is subject to change and may be amended as the project progresses. Depending on the weather conditions and planting season, some of the landscaping works might need to take place in late autumn 2027.
Why are you temporarily closing the north and south areas of the park?
The safety of visitors is our highest priority. To allow the restoration works to be carried out safely and efficiently, both sides of Bradbourne Lakes will need to be temporarily closed during the restoration works.
The Public Right of Way (PROW) SU11 through the park will also need to be closed while works are underway. Clearly signed diversion routes will be provided, directing pedestrians to the A25 and alternative walking routes. Kent County Council has issued a permit to close the parking bays on Betenson Avenue.
Why can't the lakes remain partially open?
The restoration works involve construction activities, machinery, vehicle movements, and safety risks that make it impractical to keep parts of the site open while ensuring the public remains safe.
Will the works cause any smells?
We are proposing to remove silt, which will be reused within the park, and this is likely to cause some odours nearby.
Silt removal is planned for winter 2026/27. The lakes will be dammed first, then desilted using long-reach machinery. The silt will be deposited on site to dry out. The dried silt will then be returned to the lakes to form planting beds that will support wildlife.
We apologise for any temporary odours during the restoration works. This is a normal part of the lakes' restoration process. The smell may be stronger during the early weeks of the works (autumn to winter 2026) and should reduce as the works progress.
Will the works cause noise?
With any large project such as this, there is likely to be some construction-related noise, which is expected to occur between autumn 2026 and early 2027.
Apart from general construction site noise, there could also be additional noise from generators that may be required to control water levels while the lakes are being drained.
We will do everything possible to reduce construction noise and apologise for any disturbance during the restoration works.
How are you disposing of the excavated silt?
Excavated silt (an estimated 5,000 cubic metres) will be pressure-pumped into open areas of the park in specially designed permeable bags to dry out. As the silt dries out, its volume is expected to reduce by up to 60%. Any non-organic material will be disposed of appropriately.
Most of the dried silt will be used to form new marginal planting beds around the park, helping to benefit wildlife.
Why are you proposing to remove some trees in the park?
The main reason is to open up the space, reduce silting from leaf debris, allow lake bank repair works to take place, and make space for native trees, which better support wildlife than self-seeded and non-native species.
Our planning application includes a tree removal strategy, which incorporates advice from independent ecological and arboricultural consultants, as well as our own Tree Officer.
Some trees were removed in early 2026. Further trees identified within the planning application and marked in pink will be removed at the end of October 2026.
View our tree retention strategy.
How long will it take before we see the benefits of the works?
Landscaping works are scheduled towards the end of the project in 2027. You will be able to enjoy annual blooms in the meadows from 2028, while other species may take between three and five years to mature.
What will happen to the fish?
A specialist team will manage the fish population in accordance with relevant Environment Agency requirements and industry best practice. Any fish removals will be carried out by qualified professionals.
What about ducks, swans and other wildlife?
Protecting wildlife is a key consideration of the project. Ecological surveys and mitigation measures are being undertaken to minimise impacts on local species.
Will memorial benches or trees be affected?
It may be necessary to temporarily remove memorial plaques and benches. Please be assured that they will be carefully removed and taken to a secure location for safe storage and cleaning before being returned once the works are complete.
Trees associated with memorial plaques will be given special care and protection throughout the restoration works.
Once the works are complete, will the park meet the prestigious Green Flag Award standard?
The restoration works will bring significant improvements to the appearance of Bradbourne Lakes. Visitors will notice revitalised landscapes, improved paths, new bridges, a playground, and restored water features that enhance both the beauty and ecological health of the park.
These changes are designed to create a more accessible, sustainable, and welcoming environment for all. The project reflects a commitment to preserving heritage while introducing modern standards of safety and enjoyment.
Once complete, Bradbourne Lakes should meet the high standards required for the national Green Flag Award.
Who is paying for the works?
The project is being funded through a combination of funding sources, including a £1.6 million grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and more than £500,000 secured by Sevenoaks District Council from developers.
What consultation has been undertaken?
The development of the Bradbourne Lakes improvement plans has been supported by ongoing community engagement.
We initially commissioned leisure experts, Land Use Consultants, to seek the views and priorities of visitors, the Bradbourne Residents' Association, and the wider community on the future of the lakes.
Residents have had further and ongoing opportunities to meet our project team, ask questions, and provide feedback through events, Zoom sessions, newsletters, and feedback forms.
The Bradbourne Residents' Association has also played an active role as part of the working group, contributing to the development of the plans and ensuring local views are represented.
How can I receive project updates?
Updates will be published through:
- The Bradbourne Lakes newsletter (sign up to our newsletter)
- Our social media accounts
- Resident newsletters
- Website updates
- In-person and virtual meetings
What benefits will the project deliver?
The project aims to improve the lakes and surrounding environment, enhance biodiversity, improve accessibility and the visitor experience, and help secure the long-term future of the site.