The projects, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) - which will together raise awareness of Kent’s marine habitats, coastal areas of the Romney Marshes, and threatened inland chalk grassland habitats - have one thing in common. They all seek to educate and give local communities, landowners, and other stakeholders the power to make a difference in acknowledging, protecting and celebrating what makes these unique landscapes special.
Landscapes and seascapes benefitting from funding today are Guardians of the Deep and The Fifth Continent – Romney Marsh Landscape Partnership, both run by the Kent Wildlife Trust, and the Old Chalk New Downs Project, to be run by Kent County Council.
Stuart McLeod, Head of HLF South East, said: “These projects cover huge swathes of the Kent countryside. From the remote, flat, windswept landscape of Romney Marsh - a land of bleak horizons dotted by grand medieval churches, to the nationally and internationally important Marine Conservation Zones of the Kent coast, to the disappearing chalk grasslands on the Kent Downs, each is beset with its own challenges. Thanks to National Lottery players, local communities and organisations will be able to discover, care for and protect these environments, and carry out vitally important work that may otherwise not be possible.”
"I am delighted that, thanks to the National Lottery, these local wildlife habitats in the 'Garden of England' will be protected and allow both residents of Kent and visitors to connect with this stunning natural landscape."Heritage Minister
The Guardians of the Deep is a three-year project that aims to engage communities, businesses and visitors by raising awareness of marine habitats and promoting an active and ongoing guardianship role to protect them for the future. Almost the entire Kent coast falls within a Marine Protected Area (MPA) and will feature eleven Marine Conservation Zones by 2018. Kent’s marine habitats are considered at threat from the fishing industry, invasive species, pollutants and regression of coastal defences.
Common seals, photo by Russel Miles
The project will be run by Kent Wildlife Trust in partnership with Thanet District Council, Medway Council, and Kent County Council and will divide the coastline into three sections – the White Cliffs of Dover (from Folkestone to Deal), North East Kent (from Deal to Whitstable), and Medway and Swale. It will comprise five key activities which will involve 60,000 people in marine awareness activities:
£1.76m has been awarded to The Fifth Continent – Romney Marsh LP for a project that will restore and protect habitats and species, and put local people back in touch will the landscape around them. The scheme covers 242 sq km of low-lying coastal land in South Kent characterised by flat, windswept marsh containing the historic settlements of Winchelsea, Rye and Hythe and the shingle ridges of Dungeness. Distinctive Norman churches built on the back of the medieval wool industry dot the landscape, which is nationally important for biodiversity and built heritage featuring 5 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), 6 Local wildlife sites, 19 Scheduled Ancient Monuments, 10 Conservation Areas, and 257 Listed buildings. Dungeness is one of the largest shingle ridges in the UK and supports over 600 plant species – one-third of the national flora!
The project will feature three themes, ‘Restore’, ‘Rediscover’, and ‘Reclaim’, which aim to address challenges brought by poor transport links, rural isolation and the decline of local industries. National Lottery players money will be invested into activities and opportunities for volunteers that aim to influence local people into protecting this fragile landscape including:
The Old Chalk New Downs project, to be run by Kent County Council, will improve, restore, and reconnect threatened chalk grassland habitats in and around the Kent Downs AONB specified in the Kent Biodiversity Strategy (2015-2025) – home to rare orchid species and black veined and straw-belle moths, found only within the North Downs.
Capital works and land management support for landowners will be complemented by a host of community engagement activities including volunteering opportunities, learning and skills development, surveying and monitoring, public access improvements, a programme for schools, and digital and interactive resources.
The project, which is expected to last 4 years, will cover almost 10,000 hectares from Kemsing Down to Detling Hill and work in partnership with Kent Wildlife Trust, Kent and Medway Biological Records Centre, Kent Downs AONB, Tonbridge & Malling Council, Gravesham BC, and Medway Valley Countryside Partnership.
The Trust is delighted to be a major player in the development of all three of these unique and ground-breaking projects.Chief Executive for Kent Wildlife Trust
Project quotes:
John Bennett, Chief Executive for Kent Wildlife Trust, said: “The Trust is delighted to be a major player in the development of all three of these unique and ground-breaking projects. Many partners will come together to make a huge difference to the natural heritage of Romney Marsh and Kent’s Downland and coastal communities: HLF with its generous grants and guidance; several of Kent’s local authorities; local businesses and schools; farmers; local community groups; and hundreds of volunteers. The Trust is grateful for their part in this and now look forward to working with all of you over the next few years.”
Kent County Council cabinet member for environment and transport Matthew Balfour said: “It is great news that Kent is receiving over £3 million in funding to help support and grow our natural environment. The OCND project will see key downland grassland habitats restored and links made to improve their quality, which will benefit not only the protection of species but also re-connect people with their local landscape.”
