Haysden Country Park
Since 2006 Haysden Country Park has been a Green Flag Award winning park. The Park includes Barden and Haysden Lakes and a stretch of the River Medway within its boundary and is about 65 hectares (165 acres). These features contribute to the character and individuality of the park and the rich variety of wildlife. The Park was designated a Local Nature Reserve on 27 October 2008 and was already in part a Site of Nature Conservation Interest. The waterfowl, wild flowers and insect life will interest both the expert and the casual onlooker. A surfaced path around Barden Lake allows easy access for all. A number of events are oraginised throughout the year, and serveral clubs use the park as their base.
What's New?
Management Plan 2010-2014
Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council has published the new management plan for the Park for the period 2010-2014. This is available to view here.
Green Flag Award
As well as the Green Flag Award which the Council strives to acheive, there is now a new 'peoples award' which will be presented to the site that acheives the most public votes. So if you think that Haysden Country Park deserves to win use the link below to vote for the park.
Frequenty asked questions
Where can I find out more?
In addition to the information below, the Haysden_Country_Park_Guide (cover show above) provides a useful site map and more information about the Park.
What is there to do?
There are a wide variety of things to do at the country park, including walking, a children's play area, sailing, fishing, nature study, volunteering and a number of countryside related events are run at the park., please find more details below.
Walking/ nature study
Copies of the of the free Haysden Country Park Nature and Historical Trail leaflets are available at the park , as PDF copies below or from the Tonbridge Castle Customer Services telephone 01732 876322.
If you are a primary school teacher we have also published an Education Activity Pack which has been sent to all Primary Schools within the Borough more...
Is there a children's play?
The play area near the main car park, contains an aerial runway, climbing items with slides, tyre and other swings.
Can I walk the dog?
Dogs are welcome in the park, but we do asked that they are kept under control, and that owners clean up - disposal bins are provided.
Can I fish?
Tonbridge & District Angling & Fish Preservation Society controls the fishing in the park - day tickets are available from the bailiff at the park (for Barden Lake only). For details about membership of the Society contact 07503 111551 or use the web site link above.
Can I sail?
Tonbridge Town Sailing Club aims to encourage small boat sailing on Haysden Water. For more details about membership of the Club Tel: 01732 354841 or use the web site link above.
Are there any rules on water safety?
Water safety in and near the lakes and rivers within the park is an important issue for you to consider when visiting, you can find out more by using this link to the water safety page.
How accessible is the park? 
Much of the Park is very accessible to less able visitors. Disabled parking bays are available in the main car park. Near the main car park there are toilets with a separate accessible RADAR key toilet. To obtain a RADAR key, ring 01732 876147 or email waste.services@tmbc.gov.uk
Barden Lake has accessible fishing platforms (day fishing tickets are available at the park, see above). A RADAR key allow visitors access to these fishing platforms and to a lakeside Viewpoint.
Walks with the best access are on compacted surface paths around Barden Lake, some seats are present beside the path. A shorter walk is also possible from the car park past the Stone Lock.
The play area has mainly bark surfacing. This gives limited access for wheelchair users and the visually impaired who will find the raised bark pit edge difficult. Improvements to the play area are planned in future.
The Nature and Historical Trails have limited access for less able users with some unmade paths in the more distant parts of the site.
How do I get there?
Car: Follow the country park signs just to the west of Tonbridge, the park is off Lower Haysden Lane. If you use a satellite navigation system use the postcode TN11 9BE, to find the main entrance (there is no post box at the site, all post must be sent to the main Council Offices at Kings Hill). A location map is shown in the leaflet.
Cycle: Follow Regional Cycle Route 12 from either Tonbridge Castle or Penshurst Place. To find out more...
Is there car parking?
Ample car parking is available for visitors with specially designated areas at the park entrance for minibus and coaches and marked bays for disabled users in the main car park. Access through the height restriction barrier (1.9 metres, 6'. 2") on the entrance drive through to the car park can be pre-arranged by calling 01732 876172 but please note that a period of two working days notice is required to arrange for opening of the barrier. Please note that car park charges now apply in the park.
Car park charges
Car parking charges now apply 7 days a week to all car parks at Haysden Country Park during the open hours of the park (see below for opening hours). Car parking meters are present in the Main Car Park only. Please note that KCC Country Park parking permits are not valid and cannot be used at Haysden Country Park.
The charges are: Main car park (including the oversized bays outside the height barrier at the entrance) :
60p for up to 4 hours,
£2.40 over 4 hours
or use your 'Haysden & Leybourne Lakes Country Park Season Ticket'.
Tickets are not transferable between cars, the car parks are all covered by the Councils rules on car parking. Disabled users must display a valid permit - disable parking bays are marked in the main car park; Motorcycles are exempt from the charges.
All Haysden Country Park car parks: 'Haysden Country & Leybourne Lakes Park Season Ticket' 12 months £25
Audley Rise and Haysden Water car parks (including the oversized bay outside the height barrier) will be season tickets only, a season ticket will also entitle you to park in the main car park.
To apply for a Season Ticket for use in all car parks at Haysden & Leybourne Lakes Country Parks an application form is available here.
Please note that all money generated from car parking charges goes towards maintaining and improving Haysden Country Park.
Are there any toilets?
Male and female toilets facilities are located near the main car park, and these include separate accessible toilet facilities controlled by RADAR key.
When is the park open?
The park opens daily thoughout the year, from 7.30am and closes at dusk. Daily closing times are displayed at park entrance. Please note that the park is locked at the advertised closing time.
How big is the park?
65 hectares (160 acres)
Can I buy food and drink there?
A mobile caferteria service is provided during school holidays and every weekend and bank holiday throughout the year from 11am to 7.30pm daily. The service includes hot and cold food and drink and is provided by Willards American Food Company. The service is located by the toliet block and main car park, outside picnic tables are provide.
How is the park managed?
The park has a part-time Ranger service and an off site manager. The Park has its own Management Plan that will be used to guide the management of the Park for a 5-year period (2010-2014). A management plan is a working document that tells us where we are now, where we want to get to, how will we get there, and how we will know when we have arrived.
Use this link to find our Management Plan 2010 - 2014
What is the Green Flag Award scheme?
The Green Flag Award Scheme is the national standard for parks and green spaces across England and Wales. The award is managed by The Civic Trust on behalf of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and the Green Flag Advisory Board.The Award Scheme, begun in 1996, recognises and annually rewards the best green spaces in the country. Winning parks are judged to be welcoming, safe and well maintained with strong involvement from the local community. To find out more see the Green Flag Award website
How can I help?
What are the Haysden Park Volunteers?
Local residents can help with the management of the park by joining the Haysden Park Volunteers.
The council, working with the Haysden Country Park Volunteers who carry out work in the park. To join either fill in the form in the volunteer leaflet or come along on a task day or email leisure.services@tmbc.gov.uk for more details. Typical tasks would be planting trees, coppicing, hedgelaying, habitat creation, scrub clearance, or monitoring wildlife/ flora.
To see the task list look at the Park Diary Details of the next volunteer day are also displayed on the main information board at Haysden or alternatively email leisure.service@tmbc.gov.uk
What are the Litter Wardens?
The Medway Valley Countryside Partnership organises small teams to spend a few hours patrolling areas of the River Medway and Haysden Country Park collecting litter. To find out more call 01622 683695 or email medwayvalley@kent.gov.uk or use the web site link above.
What is the User Panel?
Haysden Country Park User Panel represents all users of the park and meets every six months. A copy of the latest minutes can viewed here.
For more details about joining the group contact leisure.services@tmbc.gov.uk
How do I find out about events?
The park is a popular venue for countryside related events. For an informal discussion call Leisure Services on 01732 876172 or email leisure.services@tmbc.gov.uk To apply to hold an event in the park use the link below:
Use this Events Form to book the park for an event
Use the Park Diary to see what's on in the park
How do I feedback about Haysden Country Park?
Please use the the online form to give us feedback about the Haysden Country Park. With your help we can help make improvements and keep the park in the best condition possible for everyone to enjoy!
Have you carried out a Market Survey?
The results from the latest market survey carried out in the summer of 2007 are available here . The results of the survey have been reported to the Leisure and Arts Advisory Board and the User Panel.
How can I find out more?
Phone Leisure Services on 01732 876172
email Leisure.Services@tmbc.gov.uk
SMS Text Message to 07781 482959
The Council is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.
Enjoy your visit
Print this page? 
|
|
| Last updated: 26/04/10 at 13:57:23 Office use only: 1271/2011-02-30 |
|
Do it online Report, Apply, Pay, Enquire, Contact, Have your say 
Online PlanningPlanning and building services online 
Looking for a job?See what we have on offer. 
Press ReleasesRead the latest news from the borough council. 
Weekend Household Bulky Refuse ServiceCheck here for collection information. 
Car ParkingPenalty Charges, Permits, Season Tickets. 