The desilting work at Kelsey Park is now virtually complete, with benefits to ducks, other birds and wildlife, with further improvement work in the park also planned.
Regular visitors at Kelsey Park in Beckenham will have seen careful synchronised digging in the lakes as part of a £2 million desilting initiative. 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.
As part of the work undertaken by Land and Water, the entire area of the lakes was digitally mapped, with digging done to precise measurements, carefully removing silt across both of the lakes. The majority of the silt has entered the lakes from the river Beck together with being generated from tree leaves and other organic matter decomposing.
Councillor Will Rowlands, Executive Councillor for Environment said, “I am delighted we have got this work completed ahead of schedule and at the start of spring, when visitor numbers to this much loved park increase, both birds and humans. We are now focussing on plans to renew the bridge at the south end of the park and make access to all parts of the park slightly easier. There is still much work to be done and if you are interested in being more actively involved, please consider joining Friends of Kelsey Park, who also do so much to care for this ever popular space, with our thanks to them as well.”
Tyler Gibson, Site Manager for the works from Land and Water “We are grateful to the park visitors and local businesses for their continued support and patience over the past few months. We are pleased that the works have been completed ahead of schedule. This early completion allows the park and lakes to begin their natural regeneration in time for the growing season - ensuring that they can be appreciated by all in the years to come.”
Kelsey Park has remained open as normal throughout the duration of the work, with residents able to visit the park, with specific work areas carefully fenced off as needed.
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