30/05/2025
This morning we've been at the launch of the new North Kent Woods and Downs National Nature Reserve, of which we are affiliated partners.
Cllr Emma Morley, our cabinet member for operational services said: “We are blessed to have such beautiful and historically significant landscapes within our borough, which are rightly being recognised through the creation of this NNR.
“Nature does not recognise human boundaries, and so we look forward to working with the various partners and colleagues to protect and nurture this extensive, beautiful and fascinatingly varied reserve, allowing generations to come to enjoy its beauty.”
Over 400,000 people live within five miles of the new North Kent Woods and Downs National Nature Reserve and 8 million people live just an hour’s drive away, making this opening an exciting opportunity for people to connect with internationally important nature.
The new reserve covers 800 hectares, equivalent to over 1,100 football pitches, and partners will be working to support conservation efforts beyond the boundary of the reserve, helping to create a joined-up approach to nature recovery for a further 1,100 hectares in the surrounding area.
With support from Natural England and Kent Downs National Landscape, the reserve will be managed by a number of partners including the National Trust, Woodland Trust, Kent County Council, Plantlife, Silverhand Estate (Vineyard Farms Ltd), and the West Kent Downs Countryside Trust. Affiliated partners include ourselves, Birling Estate, Shorne Parish Council, Tarmac and Forestry England.
Read more at https://www.gravesham.gov.uk/news/article/216/historic-garden-of-england-protected-with-new-national-nature-reserve
