Community celebrates stunning revamp of Vine Gardens

Published: 16 July 2025

We have now completed our exciting revamp of the pond and pergola area of the Vine Gardens – and the local community is loving the transformation.

 

The space has been revitalised with a new ground surface made of Recycle Bound Resin. This material is made up of a mix of stone and recycled plastic waste. The equivalent of 3000 recycled plastic straws is used in every square metre.

The new anti-slip surface not only looks smart and has environmental benefits, but it will also reduce long-term maintenance costs.

The project has received rave reviews from the community – compliments have included, ‘The revamped Vine area looks stunning’, ‘It looks amazing well done everyone’, and ‘Wow love it, looks so much tidier and manageable’.

One mum, Lisa Frost, was particularly delighted with the new surface thanks to the positive impact it has had on her son, Oakley. She commented, ‘It's things like this that improve access for my complex needs disabled son. We will now be able to get his wheelchair in there much more easily and he will be able to take his steps holding our hand without tripping. This sort of thing makes such a huge difference to his life’.

Cllr Merilyn Canet, Chair of the Community Asset Committee at Sevenoaks Town Council, remarked, ‘By resurfacing the Vine Gardens with material made from the equivalent of a million old plastic straws, Sevenoaks Town Council has made a smoother walking surface, better for walkers, prams and mobility aid users. The pretty flower beds created by the Town Council team and volunteers have been enhanced for the benefit of all our community. A lasting contribution to our shared public space.’

The Vine Gardens has long been a treasured green space in Sevenoaks – a place to relax among beautiful planting and a hub for community activity. This summer, the Vine will host a wide range of family-friendly events organised by Sevenoaks Town Council and partner organisations. For details, view the event programme here.

The resurfacing was completed in time for South & South East In Bloom judging which took place on 11 July. Sevenoaks Town Council and all the hardworking Sevenoaks in Bloom volunteers are eagerly awaiting the results.