Maidstone's Mote Park is to benefit from a major £2.5m conservation and improvement scheme led by Maidstone Borough Council (MBC).

The project will include the planting of 140 new trees and the removal of scrubland, while pedestrian access is to be enhanced. Other conservation and improvement works will include efforts to manage the outflow of the lake; the restoration of the pavilion; and the reconstruction of the waterfall.

MBC cabinet member for leisure and culture Richard Ash said: "These improvements will conserve the natural habitats of the park, restore many of the features lost over time and add better facilities for families and disabled people." Funding has been provided by the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Big Lottery Fund and represents the largest investment in the park since it was acquired by MBC in 1929.