Thanks to National Lottery players.
The Kentish Stour Countryside Partnership (KSCP), hosted by Kent County Council (KCC), has been awarded a development grant of up to £173,400 to help progress plans to apply for a full grant of £2,359,999 at a later date.
The Kentish Stour Countryside Partnership (KSCP), hosted by Kent County Council (KCC), has been awarded a development grant of up to £173,400 to help progress plans to apply for a full grant of £2,359,999 at a later date.
If successful in securing further funding, the Stour Valley Restore project would deliver a five-year programme of environmental, heritage and community improvements across the valley, helping to tackle challenges including biodiversity loss, invasive species, water pollution and development pressures.
Led by KSCP and delivered with a wide range of partners, the project aims to transform the Stour Valley into a more resilient, nature-rich and celebrated landscape for future generations.
The aim is to transition the Stour Valley from a landscape at risk to one that is celebrated.
If awarded delivery funding, the Stour Valley Restore project will:
- restore rare chalk stream and floodplain wetland habitats
- create healthier ecosystems for species including turtle doves, beavers and migratory fish
- work with partners to tackle invasive species and support vulnerable native wildlife such as water voles
- enhance woodland habitats for butterflies and other invertebrates
- support landowners and communities through a new grant scheme for habitat creation and enhancement across a range of sites, including farms, fishing lakes, school grounds and churchyards
- improve access by upgrading footpaths and cycle routes, helping more people enjoy the landscape and supporting sustainable travel
- provide volunteering, training and creative opportunities that connect people with the valley's natural and cultural heritage.
The project also aims to lay the foundations for a future Stour Valley Regional Park, creating a lasting legacy for both people and wildlife.
“Securing this development funding is an important milestone for the Stour Valley Restore project.”
Jamie Henderson, Cabinet Member for Environment, Coastal Regeneration and Public Health, said: "Securing this development funding is an important milestone for the Stour Valley Restore project. It gives us the opportunity to work with communities, landowners and partners to develop an ambitious programme that will protect and enhance one of Kent's most important landscapes.
‘Having seen first-hand the work of the Kentish Stour Countryside Partnership, I am very confident that the funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund will be a wise investment in Kent's environment for both wildlife and the public. I would like to thank all the partners who have helped bring this project forward.
“The Stour Valley is rich in wildlife, history and heritage. Through this project, we want to create new opportunities for nature recovery, improve access to the countryside and celebrate the valley's unique character for future generations.
“There are many opportunities for residents to get involved and help shape the future of the Stour Valley. Whether you manage land, have a project idea or would like to volunteer your time, we would love to hear from you.”
Stuart McLeod, Director of England – London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “Thanks to National Lottery players, we are pleased to support the development of the Stour Valley Restore project. This funding marks an important step towards an ambitious programme that will protect and enhance one of the South East’s most valued landscapes. This project has the potential to make a real difference for nature, heritage and local communities - restoring habitats, improving access and creating new opportunities for people to connect with the Stour Valley. We look forward to working with the project team as they develop their plans and progress towards a full grant application.”
The project team is keen to hear from:
- landowners and land managers interested in nature recovery and habitat restoration
- individuals or groups with ideas for heritage, arts, education or access projects
- organisations interested in collaborative partnership working
- volunteers who would like to contribute their time and skills to support the project.
To express an interest or find out more, email kentishstour@kent.gov.uk.
KSCP is working closely with a growing partnership of organisations, including Canterbury City Council, the Environment Agency, Natural England, South East Water, English Heritage and the Canterbury Biodiversity Network.
Notes to editors
About The National Lottery Heritage Fund
*Grant applications over £250,000 are assessed in two rounds. Stour Valley Restore has initially been granted round one development funding of £173,400 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, allowing it to progress with its plans. Detailed proposals are then considered by the Heritage Fund at second round, where a final decision is made on the full funding award of £2,359,999.
Our vision is for heritage to be valued, cared for and sustained for everyone, now and in the future. That’s why as the largest funder for the UK’s heritage we are dedicated to supporting projects that connect people and communities to heritage, as set out in our strategic plan, Heritage 2033. Heritage can be anything from the past that people value and want to pass on to future generations. We believe in the power of heritage to ignite the imagination, offer joy and inspiration, and to build pride in place and connection to the past.
Over the next 10 years, we aim to invest £3.6billion raised for good causes by National Lottery players to make a decisive difference for people, places and communities. heritagefund.org.uk
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