Everyone invited to help nature in Kent

A nature recovery strategy called Making Space for Nature in Kent is being developed. The strategy will set out measures to tackle habitat loss, safeguard ecosystems and create nature-rich landscapes full of wildlife-friendly habitats. It will also identify where in the county such action would deliver the most, not just in terms of nature but also the wider benefits a healthy and thriving natural environment can bring for all.

This locally led approach is new, with the strategy developed in collaboration with a range of partners from landowners and Kent’s residents. A strategy informed by partners’ priorities, data and knowledge will result in a plan owned by the very partners that will be critical to its delivery. The project will work with those that own and manage the land; those that influence how biodiversity is protected and enhanced; those that use and depend on nature’s services; and those that inform and make decisions. Kent’s residents are being asked their views right from the start and there will be many opportunities to get involved over the twenty months it’s expected it will take to develop the strategy.

The Kent and Medway Local Nature Recovery Strategy is one of 48 across the country, which will create the England Nature Recovery Network, to deliver on the Government’s commitment to ending the decline of nature and supporting its recovery. Once published, the strategy will be a critical evidence base for local plans and decision making and will be used to direct investment from government and green finance to where it will have the greatest effect. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) appointed KCC as the responsible authority to lead on this work, developing the strategy for both Kent and Medway. The work is fully funded by Defra.