Residents, businesses, farmers, landowners, organisations and community groups are being encouraged to share their views on how the protected landscape should be cared for, enhanced and enjoyed in the years ahead.
The Management Plan helps shape priorities and decisions for nature recovery.
The Kent Downs is one of Kent’s most treasured landscapes, home to the North Downs Way National Trail and part of the aspiring UNESCO Cross-Channel Geopark.
The Management Plan helps shape priorities and decisions for nature recovery, farming, climate action, access, planning and sustainable tourism across the Kent Downs. It is used by local councils, farmers, landowners, community groups, businesses and residents to help guide the future of the landscape.
The draft Management Plan follows an extensive public engagement phase, in which more than 1,200 people and organisations took part. They shared what they value about the landscape, what they think makes it special, and what matters most when it comes to its future care and enjoyment. This feedback has directly shaped the draft Plan now being consulted on.
Responses highlighted the Kent Downs’ ancient woodlands, chalk grasslands, orchards, wildlife, heritage, iconic white cliffs and peaceful landscapes as some of its most valued features.
Covering almost a quarter of Kent, the Kent Downs National Landscape stretches from the White Cliffs of Dover to the Surrey border and is one of the South East’s most visited and valued landscapes.
The area contains internationally important habitats and heritage, including rare chalk grasslands, ancient woodlands and globally important chalk streams. These support nationally rare species such as the early spider-orchid, lady orchid, Adonis blue butterfly and Duke of Burgundy butterfly.
“We want to hear from as many people as possible before the consultation closes on 19 July.”
Jamie Henderson, Kent County Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Coastal Regeneration and Public Health, said: "The Kent Downs is one of our county’s greatest assets, valued for its stunning landscapes, rich wildlife, historic character and the opportunities it provides for people to enjoy the outdoors. This Management Plan will help guide how it is protected and enhanced for future generations, while supporting the communities, farmers and businesses that help care for it.
‘We want to hear from as many people as possible before the consultation closes on 19 July. Whether you live in the Kent Downs, visit regularly, or simply care about its future, your views can help shape the priorities that will ensure this nationally important landscape continues to thrive in the years ahead."
Nick Johannsen FLI Director of the Kent Downs National Landscape added: “The Kent Downs National Landscape Management Plan drives a significant amount of investment into caring for and enhancing this extraordinarily beautiful quarter of Kent, so it’s important the revised plan is as strong as it can be. We hope a wide range of people will take part; the more feedback we receive, the stronger the Management Plan will be.”
All responses received during the consultation period will help shape the final Management Plan before it is considered later this year.
People can view the draft Management Plan and take part in the consultation at: www.kent.gov.uk/kentdowns
Notes to editors
The Kent Downs National Landscape is managed through a partnership of local authorities, public bodies, landowners, farmers, businesses, community organisations and environmental groups working together to conserve and enhance the area. KCC is a key partner in this work and is represented on the Kent Downs Joint Advisory Committee, which helps guide the strategic direction of the National Landscape and oversees the development of the Management Plan.
