National Lottery Grants for Heritage – £250,000 to £5million
The site covers three-and-a-half hectares and was created as part of the Bradbourne Park Estate in 1740. It consists of five interconnected lakes that flow into the ecologically important River Darent.
However, the condition of the lakes is declining due to silt and poor water quality. To protect the natural heritage and biodiversity, this project is carrying out the largest works to the site since its creation, including:
- draining and restoring all five lakes, using reclaimed and locally sourced materials where possible
- repairing and upgrading sluices, bridges, leaks and lake banks
- removing silt and repurposing it to create new reedbeds and vegetation zones
- enhancing green spaces with new wildflower planting and improved pathways
- developing a new natural play area, installing an accessible toilet and new homes for bats and birds
- supporting wildlife in the River Darent through improved water flow and quality
The project’s also working in partnership with organisations such as Kent Wildlife Trust, West Kent Mind, South East Rivers Trust and Historic England to deliver a programme of volunteering, community engagement and educational and wellbeing-focused activities.
If you’re interested in protecting the heritage of our natural spaces, explore how we might be able to help.
