Kidbrooke Green Park and the nature reserve are a small part of an original village green in Mediaeval times.
A little history
The mediaeval church of St Nicholas stood not far away somewhere between today’s Delme Crescent and Brook Lane. The church was abandoned in the 14th century and the village seems to have disappeared about the same time. Perhaps the Black Death hit this area? Romborough, in Hither Green in Lewisham, disappeared in the plague at about the same time so this is believable scenario.
After the village disappeared the area returned to farmland again. Lower Kidbrooke Farm was in this area. It was one of three farms in Kidbrooke until housing took over in the 19th and 20th centuries. So I am not sure why the road sign advertises ‘Hither Farm’.
Kidbrooke Green Park today
Today Kidbrooke Green Park is a grassed area with an outdoor gym, tennis courts and multipurpose ball court. The large open space is suitable for various sports and probably is nice and green in any year other than 2022!
Kidbrooke Park Nature Reserve
GBC describes the nature reserve as the remains of an old wetland area. It was created in the 1980s when the Rochester Way relief road was built. The site has a number of small ponds which are home to newts and which the Council is working to improve with the help of the charity Froglife. The nature reserve is currently closed to the public.
The Path to Kidbrooke Village
A footpath leads away from the park, between the park and the A2, to Kidbrooke Village and Kidbrooke Station. In spite of the traffic noise it is a pleasant, green walk amongst the trees.
Kidbrooke Green Park and the nature reserve are pleasant open spaces. They are also remind us that this was once countryside.