Future of Barton's Point secured
Published
Thursday 9 July, 2026
Updated
Thursday 9 July, 2026
Barton’s Point Coastal Park will be transformed into a vibrant community and outdoor education hub, protecting its incredibly rare natural environment for local people to enjoy for years to come.
Following a year-long expert survey that highlighted a highly unique mix of salt and fresh water at the park's lake, Swale Borough Council’s Environmental Services and Climate Change Committee approved a fresh, sustainable management plan last night (8 July).
The survey showed that previously proposed commercial leisure developments would threaten the site's delicate ecosystem.
The council’s new approach secures the best possible value for residents, introducing exciting new features, while guaranteeing current park users and popular events can continue safely.
To balance daily park life with environmental protection, the council will now move forward with key improvements:
- strive to open a community focussed café concession dedicated to hosting events and activities that bring local people together
- look to partner with an outdoor learning specialist to give local people a chance to learn more about the importance of the site to boost physical wellbeing and environmental awareness
- maintain the park grounds to higher standards and apply for the prestigious Green Flag award
- keep lake open for recreational use, but with new signage and buoys so visitors know how to protect sensitive water edges and banks
- host annual meetings with regular site users to ensure everyone works together to protect local wildlife
- continue hosting popular events like fairs and circuses, planning them carefully so they do not disturb nature
- retain the capital funding for a drainage project
- look to create a friends or community group
Cllr Dolley Wooster, chair of Swale Borough Council’s environmental services and climate change committee, said:
“We always knew Barton’s Point was a special place that our community cherishes. We were delighted to discover just how unique its ecology is, with the rare waters hosting a truly prized ecosystem.
“As soon as we received the survey results, we got to work. We wanted to enhance and protect this environment, offer something unique for residents to enjoy, and ensure we do not disrupt the people who already love and use the park.
“Our new plan aims to strike the perfect balance. We are making sure Barton’s Point continues to be a place for the community to come together and learn about our environment.
“We want to fly the internationally recognised Green Flag here as soon as possible, which will stand as the perfect testament to how special Barton’s Point really is.”
