The cattle grazing at Scotney castle
February Brings Greener Pastures
As January became a memory, February gave us something to smile about: a new partnership with the National Trust at Scotney Castle!
Our wilder grazing herd of longhorn and Sussex cattle moved in (or “moooved,” if you will) to manage the land naturally. Their grazing creates light and space, allowing wildlife to thrive. Visitors have fallen in love with our four-legged landscapers, and honestly, who can blame them?
Rethink Sea Link Campaigners at Parliament
Marching for Nature
In March, we tackled another big challenge: National Grid’s Sea Link proposal. This cable project, linking Kent and Sussex, threatens wildlife at Pegwell Bay (a Site of Special Scientific Interest) and Minster Marshes.
We took our concerns to Westminster, where Talk on the Wild Side podcast presenter joined us to meet MP Sir Roger Gale, who dubbed the scheme “environmental vandalism.” The fight continues, but we’re determined to ensure wildlife has a voice in 2025 and beyond.
Hoad's Wood
April: Hope for Hoad’s Wood
April saw us turning our attention to Hoad’s Wood, a Site of Special Scientific Interest devastated by organised criminals who dumped 35,000 tonnes of waste there.
Alongside the incredible Rescue Hoad’s Wood Campaign, we demanded action—and finally got it! The Secretary of State ordered the Environment Agency to clean up the site. Progress is slow, but hope remained high.
Meanwhile, on a brighter note, with project partners Wildwood Trust, we celebrated the first red-billed chough chicks of the year. If all goes well, these gorgeous birds will soon soar over the White Cliffs of Dover, returning to a landscape they haven’t graced in over 200 years.
Mayday! Mayday! Election Alert!
What’s this? A snap General Election in May? Someone clearly didn’t consult our campaign calendar!
But we rallied, launching the #VoteWild campaign to highlight environmental policies and hosting hustings where you quizzed candidates about creating a wilder world.
Amid the election chaos, we also celebrated a victory: the green light for Hoad’s Wood clean-up efforts. No champagne yet, though, —work is still pending and will not begin until January 2025.
Our RNN team!
Restoring Nature, One Step at a Time
June was activism central. After soaking out tired feet from the Save the Blean march, we joined over 60,000 of you in London to demand bold action with the Restore Nature Now march. The energy? Electric. The message? Unmissable.
July’s Heartwarming Highlights
July gave us two standout moments. First, we launched The Bison and the Butterfly, a beautiful children’s book by award-winning author Alice Hemmings and illustrated by Nancy Leschnikoff. It’s a heartwarming tale of bison making friends in the woods and is sure to lift your spirits. (Psst, it’s in our shop—go take a look!)
And yes, there was that election. Amid all the pomp, we called on the new government to develop a robust land-use framework.
August: Bugs and Birds
August brought mixed emotions. Our Bugs Matter Citizen Science Project with Buglife revealed worrying declines in insect populations—critical for bird survival.
On a happier note, Kent’s flagship bird, the red-billed chough, made history with its first wild chick hatching at Dover Castle. After 200 years of absence, their return, which was made possible through our reintroduction project with Wildwood trust, symbolises hope and resilience.
Arctic Tern by Gillian Day. ©Gillian Day
September’s Sobering News
September was tough. Five more seabirds were added to the red list, including the Arctic tern and the great skua. Habitat loss, climate change, and pollution are driving this decline, but recreational pressures also play a role.
At Pegwell Bay, we see daily breaches of restricted areas—a stark reminder of the delicate balance between enjoyment and conservation.
Tim Horton
October Joy: Bison Calves Arrive
October brought joy as two bison calves were born at the Wilder Blean project! This partnership with Wildwood Trust is transforming woodland management through natural processes, with bison leading the charge. The calves bring the herd to eight, and construction of bison bridges is underway to open up more woodland for them.
Lion's mane fungi by Pippa Hope. Pippa Hope
No Winter Blues Here
November brought unexpected delights, like the discovery of rare lion’s mane fungi in Canterbury—proof that nature’s wonders never cease. We also kicked off the Reaching Greater Heights project to restore 80 hectares of chalk grassland around Dover Castle.
Mark Bretherton
No Feet-Up December!
We ended 2024 with a bang, not a break! December brought the announcement of a £2.1m revamp for the Sevenoaks Visitor Centre. The upgrades will make it more accessible and showcase stunning views of the reserve. Save the date—Summer 2025 is grand-opening time!
Our Shoresearch citizen scientists also shone, with 150 volunteers clocking 369 hours over nine surveys. Highlights included brittle stars, stalked jellyfish, and white hedgehog sea slugs—but invasive species like Japanese wireweed and Pacific oysters were cause for concern.
And who could forget our Christmas miracle? MacGuyver, the "Goat of Christmas Past," casually returned to Wouldham Nature Reserve after a three-month disappearing act. Welcome back—but stay put this time, MacGuyver!
Here’s to 2025!
As 2024 closes, we’re proud of what we’ve achieved but know there’s still work to be done. Whether it’s campaigning, restoring habitats, or welcoming new life, we’ll keep fighting for Kent’s wildlife.
Thanks for being part of the journey—let’s make 2025 even wilder!