What is the project timeline and when will the park close and reopen again?
The National Lottery Heritage Fund application for the second phase (Delivery) was submitted in November 2025. We are expecting approval in March 2025. Then the technical design of the works will be developed during Summer 2026, with the site clearance works starting Autumn 2026.
The park will be closed as certain times as the silt will be drying out in the open areas to be reused in reed beds.
From September 2027, the footpaths will be replaced, landscapes will be replanted and the new playground installed.
A re-opening event for the park is being planned for summer 2028.
Please note this is a preliminary programme and depending on the chosen contractor options there might be some changes.
Why are you temporarily closing the North and South sites of the park?
The safety of visitors to the park is a top priority so we will need to close the park at certain times during the works.
We are proposing to close the park at the following times:
- South side: closed from September 2026 to October 2027
- North side: expected closure from November 2026 to November 2027
The Public Right of Way through the park (PROW) SU11 will be close during some of the works. A signed diversion will be in place showing how to walk to the A25 and other routes.
We apologise for the inconvenience, and we appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to restore and enhance Bradbourne Lakes.
Will the works cause any smells?
We are proposing to remove silt, which reused in the park, and this is likely to cause some smells nearby.
Silt removal is planned for winter 2026/27. The Lakes will be dammed first, then de-silted with long reach machinery. The silt will be deposited onsite to dry out. The dried out silt will be put back into the lakes to form the reedbeds that will support wildlife.
We apologise for the temporary smell during the regeneration works. This is a normal part of the lakes restoration process. The smell may be stronger during the early weeks of the works (autumn-winter 2026) and should reduce as the works progress.
Thank you for your understanding and continued support as we work to improve and preserve your park.
Please sign up for our newsletter, which is published regularly and incudes our construction programme. You can check the programme if you live near the lakes and are planning outdoor events during the improvement works.
Sign up for our Bradbourne Lakes newsletter.
Will the works cause noise?
With any large project such as this, there is likely to be construction related noise, which is expected to take place in Autumn 2026, early 2027 and Autumn 2027.
Apart from the general construction site noise, there could be an additional generator noise – this could be required to control water levels while the lakes are being drained.
The working hours will be restricted by the Planning Application conditions.
We will do everything possible to reduce constructio and again, we apologise for any noise during the regeneration works.
How are you disposing of the excavated silt?
Excavated silt (an estimated 5,000 cubic metres) will be placed in the open areas in the park in specially constructed temporary enclosures to dry out. As the silt dries out during the summer, the volume is expected to be reduced by 75%. Any non-organic material will be disposed of in the appropriate way.
Most of the dried silt will be used to form new reedbeds in the park to benefit wildlife.
Any surplus could be used as an agricultural fertiliser. We carried out tests in September 2025 which confirmed this silt is safe and suitable to be used in this way.
Why are you proposing to fell trees in the park?
The main reason is to open up the space, reduce silting from leaf debris, allow lake bank repair works and make space for native trees (which better support wildlife) instead of self-seeding and non-native species.
Our tree removal strategy was discussed with the Council’s Tree Officer in summer 2025. We also took advice from independent ecological and tree consultants.
Following a bat survey in October 2025, two trees next to Lady Margaret Lake were removed from our tree felling list as it very likely they are home to bats.
The first trees will be removed in early 2026 (trees marked with yellow paint). Further trees (those within the planning application, marked in pink) will be removed either in February 2026 or September 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 November 2027. You will be able to enjoy annual blooms in the meadows in 2028, whilst other species can take 3 to 5 years to mature.
Once the works are complete, will the park meet the prestigious Green Flag Award standard?
The regeneration works will bring marked improvements to the appearance of Bradbourne Lakes. You will notice revitalised landscapes, improved paths, new bridges and 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 will meet the high standards required for the prestigious Green Flag Award, a national benchmark for quality parks and green spaces. This recognition will confirm that the park offers excellent facilities, strong environmental management, and a positive visitor experience. Achieving this award is not only a symbol of quality but also a promise that Bradbourne Lakes will remain a cherished and well-maintained space for the community for years to come.
What are the benefits of the works for wildfowl, birds and nature?
Desilting the lakes and increasing their depth is a vital step in restoring the ecological balance of Bradbourne Lakes. Over time, silt build-up has reduced water quality and created shallow areas that are less attractive to many species of wildfowl. By removing this accumulated silt, the lakes will regain the open water habitat that birds need for feeding, nesting, and safe movement. Cleaner, deeper water also supports healthier aquatic plants and invertebrates, which form the foundation of the food chain.
Wildfowl prefer environments where they can forage easily and feel secure from predators. Shallow, silted lakes often become stagnant and overgrown, limiting food sources and making birds vulnerable. The regeneration works will create a more diverse and stable habitat, with improved water circulation and space for aquatic vegetation to thrive. These conditions will encourage species such as ducks, geese, and other water birds to return and flourish.
One of the most exciting prospects is the potential return of swans, which have not been seen at Bradbourne Lakes for over 20 years. Swans require deeper water for safe nesting and feeding, and the restored lakes will provide exactly that. Natural area between Lakes Aurea and Attenborough provide a nature sanctuary for the nesting birds (an area not accessible to visitors). Swan presence can be a symbol of the success of the regeneration project, demonstrating how careful environmental management can revive habitats and bring back iconic species that have been missing for generations.
The wildlife is naturally expected to take refuge in the nearby Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve during the construction works.
Will there be a playground?
Yes, a natural playground is planned for the North side of the park.
Will there be a toilet?
There are plans to install a state-of-the-art, accessible waterless toilet in the North side of the park. This will be included in our 10-year Management and Maintenance Plan.
Currently some vulnerable people (older residents, people with disabilities, mothers with young children, people with mental health issues and neurodivergent people), cannot visit the park because of a lack of toilet facilities.
A toilet would allow these people to visit and enjoy the park for longer.
Will the park be accessible to all?
Yes. The existing path network will be replaced and expanded. The new paths will be fully accessible.
What alternative amenities will be available while the park is closed?
The safety of visitors to the park is a top priority so we need to close the park at certain times during the works. This means the park amenities will not be available for public use during these times.
While the works are underway, we encourage residents and visitors to make use of nearby open spaces and Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve. These areas provide excellent opportunities for walking, relaxation, and enjoying nature until Bradbourne Lakes reopens in its enhanced form. Our goal is to ensure that, once complete, the park will offer an even richer experience for the community.
We understand this may cause inconvenience and appreciate your patience as we carry out these essential improvements to restore the park’s heritage and natural environment.
What impact will the works have on BRA activities and events?
The BRA (Bradbourne Residents’ Association) has an established event schedule during the year.
Although Bradbourne Lakes will be closed, there are options to use surrounding open spaces like Pontoise Close (thanks to Sevenoaks Town Council) and other Sevenoaks District Council owned public spaces in the area.
How do I make my voice heard regarding details of this project?
Please fill in our Visitor Survey.
Are there plans to include a safe crossing between the North and South side of the park on Betenson Avenue?
Yes. Kent County Council, who are responsible for highways, will include safety proposals in the planning application.