Tonbridge and Malling borough is home to two out of three accredited country parks in the south east
Tonbridge and Malling has cemented its position as home to some of the best country parks in England.
Haysden Country Park in Tonbridge has won accreditation from Natural England for a further three years. It joins Leybourne Lakes Country Park near Snodland on the list of parks recognised for high standards. The award means Tonbridge and Malling is home to two out of three accredited parks in the south east.
The parks, both owned by Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council, had to meet a comprehensive set of standards to achieve the status. Assessments included biodiversity plans, visitor facilities, community involvement, play areas and promotion of the health benefits of walking.
Both parks are popular places for walking, picnics, cycling and wildlife watching. Haysden Country Park also offers sailing and fishing. Regional Cycle Route 12 runs through the park, linking Tonbridge Castle and Penshurst Place.
Leybourne Lakes Country Park has been managed by tmactive since 2021. It’s home to the popular Malling parkrun which takes place every Saturday, and to a recently opened lakeside café which offers fantastic views of the lakes and wildlife.
Councillor Des Keers, Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Services, said: ‘Having two of the south east’s three accredited country parks in our borough is a credit to all the staff and volunteers who work at Haysden and Leybourne Lakes.
‘Their hard work and dedication enable improvements to be made year on year, and I hope that visitors will continue to enjoy the wonderful facilities that both parks have to offer.’