Volunteers honoured by the council for 20+ years’ service at Haysden Country Park.
Volunteers at Haysden Country Park have been celebrated at a special awards ceremony, recognising their exceptional dedication, hard work and long-standing contribution to one of Tonbridge and Malling’s most cherished green spaces.
Between 2014 and 2024 the group contributed an average of 2,769 hours a year – and in 2025 they’ve already clocked up 3,094 hours.
During the event, at Tonbridge Castle, some volunteers were presented with Long Service Awards, acknowledging their remarkable commitment and the countless hours they have devoted to conserving and enhancing the park.
The accolades went to Don Croker, Kevin Lavender and Helen Wilson who have volunteered for 20 continuous years each - a total of 60 years between them.
The Mayor of Tonbridge and Malling, Cllr Chris Brown presented them with their awards and said: “This is a celebration of a remarkable group of volunteers whose dedication to Haysden Country Park has shaped the landscape and the community in ways that will be felt for generations. It’s a testament to how volunteering really can make a difference in so many ways.”
The group of 30 volunteers have supported a range of work from essential maintenance to habitat protection. They also undertake botany and bird projects to monitor the many species that thrive in the country park.
And it comes in a landmark year for Haysden Country Park, which has achieved 20 consecutive years of Green Flag Award status
The awards were sponsored by the ground maintenance specialists, Landscape Services (part of the Commercial Services Group), who partner with TMBC to carry out landscaping and management of the borough’s green spaces.
Phil Morgan, Managing Director of Landscape Services, said: “The passion and commitment of the Haysden volunteers has played a vital role in helping the park maintain its Green Flag Status year after year. Well done to everyone who gives their time and energy to this special place.”
If you are interested in volunteering at Haysden Country Park, you can find out more here Haysden Country Park – Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council