The refurbishment of the Harrison Visitor Centre at Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve on Bradbourne Vale Road is now complete. We hope to see you there soon!
Please note temporary closure for essential works on Thursday 12th March (back open Friday 13th).
Open
Open
Open
Weekday Visitor Centre hours: 10-4pm
Weekend Visitor Centre hours: 9-5pm
Open
In December 2024, we shut our Visitor Centre in Sevenoaks for a much-needed transformation. Now, just over a year later, we’re ready to share the result of all that hard work with you.
We know that lots of you have been waiting for this and we're so grateful for your patience and support as we’ve worked to get the Centre ready. Thank you!
The views out across West Lake are stunning, and our new decking area will be a wonderful spot in Sevenoaks to enjoy a coffee surrounded by nature. Read on for more detail about the transformation.
Visitor Centre Manager James Davis says:
“This is an incredibly exciting time for this flagship wildlife reserve and Visitor Centre. Now the works are complete, we’re better positioned to reach a wider audience and help more people connect with nature.
“Nature is in crisis, and the UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world. Providing a space where everyone of any age and particularly young people can learn about wildlife will inspire them as they grow into the future decision-makers who will shape our country.”
Nature Tots is Forest School tailored specifically for little ones, and can inspire a love of nature that lasts a lifetime.
Nature Tots is Forest School tailored specifically for little ones, and can inspire a love of nature that lasts a lifetime.
Join us for Forest School for the home education community. Discover ways to have fun outdoors and meet new friends. Suitable for ages 4-11.
Nature Tots is Forest School tailored specifically for little ones, and can inspire a love of nature that lasts a lifetime.
Learn more about fungi and how to identify these fascinating organisms.
Nature Tots is Forest School tailored specifically for little ones, and can inspire a love of nature that lasts a lifetime.
Built almost four decades ago, this former gravel pit was transformed under the visionary management of Jeffery Harrison who believed that nature could thrive even in the most depleted of places. Jeffery was right.
His actions set in motion the restoration of over 73 hectares of land, creating precious habitats and a vital asset in the fight against climate change. The Centre became a beacon for nature and education throughout the county.
With the works complete, the Centre can continue to provide a hub for wildlife and visitors alike – for generations to come!
The Harrison Visitor Centre now benefits from new green energy investments, including solar panels, air source heat pumps, and EV parking. Leaky roofs and outdoor toilets are a thing of the past, as upgrades create a bright modern space. Accessibility for all will thrive here, as new way marking, dedicated blue-badge parking, improved accessible toilets, step-free access, and disabled parking bays enable every visitor to fall in love with this unique reserve. There are also new baby change facilities and dedicated parent and child parking.
The café - a hub for your community with indoor seating and a shop selling local products - will be immersed by nature as floor-to-ceiling windows and doors lead you out onto a new veranda overlooking the lakes. It’s surely Sevenoaks' best spot to relax over lunch, hire for corporate events and team building, or join us for events, study days, and species safaris.
A new playground brings our learning through play ethos to life, enhancing the existing sensory garden and encouraging the next generation to be inspired by, and respect, our natural environment. We’ll be able to teach more children than ever before as school groups arrive through the new coach parking facilities, and the Visitor Centre's digital transformation bridges the gap between nature and the modern world.
While all paths lead back to this thriving heart, improvements around the wildlife reserve will mean information is at hand for those seeking knowledge about their environment and climate. Zoning ensures visitors can discover something new with each visit and Sevenoaks anglers and birdwatchers can continue to experience unrivalled opportunities to connect with nature - just as Jeffery intended.
Investments in the infrastructure will protect ground nesting birds, reptiles, and invertebrates, while seasonal information will safeguard critical natural behaviours seen during breeding, fledging, and hibernation.
Over two thousand species have already been identified on the reserve, and many will be able to be spotted from the accessible bird hide overlooking West Lake, and new information points will help to guide your visit as you seek a glimpse of these majestic creatures.
Whether you take a stroll around one of the 5 lakes or follow the chalk stream of the River Darent as it flows through the reserve, a visit to this beautiful and unique reserve will foster your connection with nature, improve your wellbeing, and leave you wanting to come back to discover more.
You can still donate to support the Sevenoaks Visitor Centre and ensure it flourishes for generations to come.
Register your interest in partnering with Sevenoaks using our enquiry form
Stay up to date on the latest Kent Wildlife Trust news, including project updates, upcoming events, wildlife spotlights, and more by signing up to our newsletter.
With a suite of naming opportunities available, and partnership benefits that can help address today’s critical business needs, including access the expert carbon and biodiversity advice, talk to us about how your business can benefit from investing in nature on your doorstep.
Your business could sponsor a room, bird hide, disability adaptation, and much more!
To explore partnering with a Wilder Sevenoaks contact us: [email protected] or call 01622 357800
Or join us on a Corporate Team Day – where you can connect your team with nature and each other while learning about ESG and the benefits of the natural world. To learn more or enquire visit our Team Building Days page.
Sign up to our mailing list to keep up to date with what’s happening with the transformation and receive an invitation to visit the new-look Harrison Visitor Centre. Plus, find out about exciting events, our famous Festival of Nature, and receive exclusive offers.
Jeffrey Harrison was the leading vision behind the creation of the wetlands and surrounding woodland at Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve.
He believed that nature could thrive even in the most depleted of places, and he was right. His actions set in motion the restoration of over 73 hectares of land, creating precious habitats and a vital asset in the fight against climate change. The Centre became a beacon for nature and education throughout the county.
From Nature Tots to Study Days – everyone can learn, explore and have fun at Sevenoaks.
At this unique wildlife reserve, you can take part in Nature Tots, Forest School, Holiday Club, Study Days, Team Building Days, Wellbeing sessions and Volunteering.
To see what’s coming up next visit our Events page.
The work is estimated to cost £2.1m, with the support of the District Council, Trusts and companies we’re able to break ground. As work takes place we continue to fundraise and welcome donations from anyone who would like to support our efforts.
