A recent project to resurface parts of the main footpath around Barden Lake in Haysden Country Park has stirred a mix of responses from local residents and political representatives, with some praising the improved accessibility and others raising concerns about the visual impact on the natural landscape.
Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council (TMBC) began work last month to repair and replace flood-damaged paths, primarily along the popular circular route around the lake.
In a public update, TMBC said the changes stemmed from findings in a recent access audit and were designed to ensure the path is safe and usable year-round. “Many paths will be resurfaced with tarmac. While they may appear strikingly new at first, their appearance will gradually soften and blend into the surroundings over time.” the council said.
However, some visitors to the park this week have remarked on the “striking” appearance of the tarmac, describing it as at odds with the park’s natural setting. And, we would agree that it doesn’t feel very in keeping with the lakeside setting at the moment. That said, if you look around the park in it’s totality, there are many paths built with urban materials that now look completely normal.
That sentiment was echoed by several online commenters on the council’s Facebook page. One resident wrote: “It will tone down in no time. By next year, it will be hard to notice.” Another disagreed: “What a shame. Not very fitting at all!”
Accessibility has emerged as a key theme in the debate. Supporters of the resurfacing work argue that tarmac makes the park more usable for wheelchair users, prams and those with mobility issues — but only if the improved surface is extended around the entire lake.
The Judd Ward Green Party expressed concern that the use of tarmac was not made clear in the recently agreed Management Plan for the park. In a statement, the group said: “We are concerned about the introduction of tarmac… which has come as a surprise to residents who have contacted us.”
While the plan did highlight the need for repairs and possible rerouting, the Greens said it did not include any mention of changing materials. “We understand that creating a level surface is desirable,” the statement continued, “but regrading the land or minor rerouting, as suggested in the plan, could have achieved that without introducing materials more in keeping with an urban environment.”
For now, the debate around the tarmac paths continues, with many residents keeping a close eye on how the new surfaces settle — and how they affect both the usability and the character of one of Tonbridge’s most popular green spaces.
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