Support from Sir John Lawton

Professor Sir John Lawton (CBE FRS) is a British ecologist. He is (among other roles), RSPB Vice President, President of the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and  President of The Institution of Environmental Sciences.

He has made major contributions to environmental NGOs, including a five-year period as Chairman of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and a trustee of WWF-UK.

In 2010 he reported an official review of England’s protected areas, published as Making Space for Nature, challenging the Government to address the loss of biodiversity and providing guidance on how everyone, from farmers, wildlife groups, landowners and individuals can play a role in helping to create, manage and improve these areas.

Sir John Lawton accepted our invitation to visit The Blean in March 2025, he came to see woodland landscape and spoke to the wildlife groups who work there. His response was unequivocal and he has provided a letter of support for our proposal that the Kent Downs National Landscape is extended into the area. He says:

“It is often difficult for local people to appreciate what you have on your doorstep, but this area is very special not least because so close to London. But that also makes it terribly vulnerable to development pressures. But with wise planning, essential development and nature restoration can go hand in hand, for the benefit of people and wildlife”.

Letter of Support from Sir John Lawton:

We hope that Sir John Lawton will visit us again soon to advise on the most appropriate boundary for the project area.