Haysden Country Park
For the last two years 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. These features contribute to the character and individuality of the park and the rich variety of wildlife. The waterfowl will interest both the expert bird watcher and the casual onlooker. A surfaced path around Barden Lake allows easy access for all.
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 events.
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.
Nature Trail Historical Trail. (Download times: Nature - 20 secs @ 33K, 10 secs @ 56K / Historical - 2 mins @ 33K, 1 min @ 56K)
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 01732 355072 or 01732 832352 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. 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 see the Sustrans web site Note: the route will be closed where it crosses the Leigh Barrier from 10 December 2007 (revised date) for approximatly 3 weeks for essential repairs, due to the location no division is posible contact KCC on telephone number 0845 3540210.
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.
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?
160 acres (65 hectares)
Can I buy food and drink there?
Park refreshments are available most weekdays (depending on demand) and every weekend and bank holiday throughout the year from 11am to 7.30pm daily. The refreshments service is provided by PWW Ice Cream and 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 (2004-2009). 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. Top
Use this link to find our Management Plan 2004 - 2009
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 web site Top
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 come along on a task day or email bonnie.illingworth@kent.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 Bonnie Illingworth bonnie.illingworth@kent.gov.uk or contact Chris Fox on 01732 876172, email chris.fox@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 Chris Fox on 01732 876172 or email chris.fox@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 Chris Fox tel 01732 876172 or Email chris.fox@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!
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
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| Last updated: 03/12/07 at 12:08:42 Office use only: 1271/2008-02-28/Chris Fox |
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