A bold new chapter for the Jeffrey Harrison Visitor Centre

The Jeffrey Harrison Visitor Centre at Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve is undergoing a transformative refurbishment to modernise facilities and improve visitor experiences. Located on Bradbourne Vale Road, the centre, named after the visionary behind the reserve, serves as a gateway to a thriving wetland and woodland habitat hosting over 2,000 species.

A house with a roof that has a solar panel on it

An artist's rendering of a house in the woods

Planned upgrades include accessible blue-badge parking, improved toilets, and enhanced parent and child amenities. A new lake-facing deck with seating will offer stunning views of wildfowl, while a secure children’s play area and resurfaced car park will improve accessibility and bring people closer to nature.

The energy-efficient renovation also includes an expanded café, retail space, and a flexible event area. Security measures, such as cameras, fencing, and lighting, aim to address recent thefts and anti-social behaviour.

The centre is temporarily closed, but the reserve remains open.

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A body of water surrounded by trees and a house

Bradbourne Re-bourne

The restoration of Sevenoaks’ historic Bradbourne Lakes is picking up pace with the appointment of a project manager for the £2.1 million “Bradbourne Re-bourne” initiative.

This exciting collaboration between Sevenoaks District Council, Kent Wildlife Trust, South East River Trust, Mind, and Historic England aims to breathe new life into the 18th-century Lakes, originally created in 1740 as part of the Bradbourne Estate.

Plans include draining and de-silting the Lakes, repairing sluices, and using silt to create reedbeds to boost biodiversity and water quality. There will also be improved accessibility, wildflower planting, new bat and bird boxes, and a natural play area to enjoy.

So far, the project has secured £253,000 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund grant and developer contributions, and now the Council is seeking the remaining £1.6 million needed to begin construction in 2026. Once complete, the restoration promises to be a win for wildlife and the community.

The end of London Resort

The £2.5 billion London Resort theme park, planned to develop on the Swanscombe Peninsula, has been officially terminated following a High Court ruling to liquidate London Resort Company Holdings (LRCH).

This decision ends a decade of environmental concerns over the ecologically vital area, which was designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) by Natural England in 2021.

We fiercely opposed this development alongside other conservation groups, including Buglife and the RSPB, who highlighted the Swanscombe Peninsula’s importance as a haven for rare wildlife.

The High Court’s ruling brings relief to local communities and ensures the protection of this biodiverse natural space. Thank you to everyone who spread the message to Save Swanscombe, joined us on the campaign or signed a petition.

Kent Wildlife Trust wins gold at Beautiful South Tourism Awards

Kent Wildlife Trust has been crowned Gold Winner in the Ethical, Responsible & Sustainable Tourism category at the prestigious Beautiful South Tourism Awards, sponsored by VisitKent. The judges commended our outstanding efforts to champion wildlife conservation across the county while providing nature reserves that inspire and connect people with the natural world.

What’s more, our Wilder Holiday Club earned a bronze award in the Learning Experience of the Year category. The judges praised the programme for sparking curiosity in young minds, offering hands-on wildlife experiences such as bug hunting and pond dipping, and fostering a deeper appreciation for nature.

We strive to create opportunities for both environmental sustainability and community engagement, inspiring the next generation of nature lovers.