Kelsey Lakes desilting project

Desilting is the process of removing sediment and debris from the lakebed. Sediment carried by The Beck, which flows into Kelsey Lakes, along with fallen leaves, are major sources of this build-up.

Without regular desilting, the lakes would eventually transform into vegetated land. Additionally, desilting is crucial to maintaining the aquatic ecosystems in Kelsey Lakes, which would otherwise degrade over time.

The desilting activities were planned to minimise environmental impact. This included conducting extensive ecological site surveys, scheduling the work during the winter months, keeping the lakes continually filled with water, defining exclusion zones and ongoing monitoring of water quality and habitats throughout the project.

Just under approximately 22,000 tonnes of silt has been removed from the lake, with some of the materials being retained within the park and helping landscape the banks of the lakes.

Since The Beck, which flows through the lakes, is classified as a Main River, a permit from the Environment Agency (EA) was required before desilting can begin. Ongoing consultations with the EA were conducted throughout the planning stages, and the necessary permit were secured.

The works, conducted by Land and Water Limited, commenced on site mid-October 2024 and concluded in March 2025.

The project schedule was designed to avoid the bird nesting season. Desilting works were carried out with water in the lakes, allowing birds, fish, and reptiles to coexist as much as possible during the work. Temporary surface mats were used to minimize ground and tree root damage from machinery. Additionally, water quality was closely monitored to assess impacts and determine if further mitigation is needed.

A specialist contractor, Land & Water Services Ltd., conducted the work on behalf of Bromley Council.

Public access was accommodated as much as possible during the works. However, some areas were fenced off to ensure public safety while the project is underway.

Public access for the different phases of the project (PDF - 1.16 MB).