A consultation asking for views about establishing extensive woodlands on three available, under-used land sites in the borough is now underway.
The news follows earlier work which established that it would be feasible to plant additional woodland areas, further greening the borough and providing long term benefits, with the woodland areas envisaged to publicly accessible in years to come and supporting the council’s Net Zero vision.
The three proposed sites, two in Chislehurst and one in Chelsfield, have all been previously used as grazing land and have been under-used in recent years. Following the four week consultation, which ends on 9 April, feedback will be incorporated into final scheme designs, with funding for planting work then being sought, including from the Forestry Commission, who have provided grant funding to allow feasibility work to take place.
Councillor Will Rowlands, Executive Councillor for Environment said, “I am excited about the potential to create three brand new woodland areas in our borough, with the benefits this will have now and for future generations. By creating more woodlands, we are providing essential habitats for a wealth of wildlife and plants as well as potentially adding to the recreational spaces and helping to mitigate flood risk, as well as helping to support air quality and help with our Net Zero carbon target. I would encourage residents, particularly people living very near these greenspaces to share their views so we can finalise proposals before looking for grant funding to help with the planting and other establishment costs.”
The three proposed woodland sites are:
- Edgebury Grazing Lands, Slades Drive, Chislehurst, BR7 6JY
- Kemnal Road, Imperial Way, Chislehurst, BR7 6JR
- World’s End Lane, Chelsfield. BR6 6AS.
The council is seeking the views of residents, visitors and other interested parties regarding the proposed woodlands. Any views received will be documented and suggestions will help to shape final design plans going forward.
Anyone interested in having their say can complete the survey, which is available for four weeks, by the closing date of 9 April.
Woodland establishment consultation
Ends
For media enquiries, please contact Andrew Rogers, Head of Public Affairs, on 020 8461 7670 or email Andrew.Rogers@bromley.gov.uk.