Kent’s leading conservation charity has launched an appeal to save the county’s woodlands. 

Kent Wildlife Trust say Kent’s woodlands face multiple threats from development, disease, pollution and climate change and are inviting supporters to help them raise funds to invest back into protecting forests in the region. 

The “Save our Woodlands” appeal is the biggest ever launched by the Trust with an ambitious target of £475,000 and offers supporters the opportunity to actively contribute to saving these precious habitats. 

Woodland in Kent is under threat, and according to the State of Nature in Kent Report:  

• Warmer and drier conditions are likely to increase the risk of wildfire damage to woodlands by 10-50% by 2080, which could pose a risk to the survival of endemic plant and animal species, as well as the natural environment. 

• The increasing loss of the Ash Tree through the disease Ash Die back is widespread and poses a considerable threat to our woodland infrastructure, biodiversity, and our economy. 

• Woodland species are being affected in Kent, mirroring the national picture with losses of woodland birds including Willow Tit, Wood Warbler and Redstart. 

Over the last year Kent Wildlife Trust has also campaigned to protect important woodlands in the county, and some of the money raised will go towards giving nature a voice and speaking out for threatened woodlands including: 

• Oaken Wood, an ancient habitat at risk of a quarry extension. 

• Hoad’s Wood, a site of special interest and victim of criminal gangs illegally disposing of waste. 

• South Blean Woods, on the Trust’s South Blean Nature Reserve which will be impacted by a large-scale development. 

• Shorne Woods, ancient trees which will be lost to the Lower Thames Crossing if the plans go ahead. 

Funds raised will go towards the purchase of at-risk woodlands, surveying woodlands to identify risks, such as Ash Dieback, perimeter checks and fencing where needed to keep woodlands secure, monitoring activities to identify key species and track increases in bio-abundance and ongoing management of sites, including supporting our reserve wardens. 

Talia Sherrin-Gates, Head of Income Generation at Kent Wildlife Trust, says: 

“The ambitious target of this appeal really does reflect the urgency of the situation. We are losing these precious wildlife habitats at an alarming rate and we are seeing a huge decline in species in Kent. Something needs to be done. 

“Help us protect species such as the Nightingale, Lesser-spotted woodpecker and Nightjar and reverse their decline. Kent’s woodlands not only provide a home for wildlife, like the UK’s rarest butterfly the Heath Fritillary, but they are also our lifeblood and much needed for our wellbeing. We need spaces to walk among bluebells and orchids and get closer to nature. 

“All of the money raised will be put towards all aspects of our work to save our woodlands in Kent, from restoration of sites in our management to campaigns to protect woodlands we do not own. This is an opportunity to allow nature to thrive in the area you live and help us secure the future of threatened woodlands for generations to come.” 

Can you help save Kent’s woodlands? 

If you would like to donate to the appeal click here.