Landowners & Land-Managers
Support from landowners and land-managers will be crucial to achieving our aim of reversing some of the trends that threaten our landscape & biodiversity and to reconnect the forest by creating a network of habitats that connect the wooded areas.
This can be achieved by using existing mechanisms, such as Environmental Land Management (ELM) schemes and Biodiversity Net Gain, to produce the right outcomes for all farmers while delivering food security and nature recovery in a just and equitable way.
The expansion of the Kent Downs National Landscapes into the proposal area will further incentivise local farmers and land managers to take action to support nature as part of the Farming in Protected Landscapes programme (FiPL).
They can then be supported by the bespoke advice offered by Protected Landscape bodies to land managers in their area, helping farmers to take actions that contribute to national and Protected Landscapes targets in a way that works for their local circumstances and businesses. It will help with delivering profitable food production alongside the recovery of nature.
View of The Blean from Hernhill
“As farmers we have invested in the land over the last three generations to increase biodiversity and farm the land sustainably, however we have come to realise that we cannot do this in isolation and desperately need more connectivity across the wider environment.
James & Penny Rickards
We consider this initiative should be a top priority for Government, Natural England and Kent County Council.
Currently woodland and key wildlife habitats across the area consists of fragmented units preventing wildlife moving across the landscape, by connecting these areas will become wildlife rich places for not only different species but also for people to enjoy for their health and wellbeing. The Covid pandemic clearly taught us the importance of the role of the countryside has to both physical and mental health. Therefore, there is a real need to protect and enhance what little there is left in this busy part of Kent”.
Rickards Farm
Kent Landholders Assisting Wildlife is a learning, advocacy and affinity network for landowners, land managers, community groups and likeminded individuals brought together by shared interests, working collectively to benefit conservation, biodiversity, environmental sustainability, and wildlife at a local level. Find out more in their leaflet here.
Find out sources of grants and funding for nature friendly farming and land management here.
Green Economy
The Green economy is advancing environmental goals while also generating significant economic and social benefits throughout the UK, but especially in the South-East. With its impressive productivity, substantial investments, and continuous innovation, the sector plays
a crucial role in the UK’s journey towards a sustainable future, fostering ongoing prosperity and resilience across all regions.
Analysis by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), found that, in 2024, 22,000 net zero businesses, from renewable energy to green finance, employ almost a million people in full-time jobs in the UK. The average annual wage in the businesses – £43,000 – was also £5,600 higher than the national average. The analysis showed economic growth and climate action go together and improve lives and livelihoods.
“The transition to a net zero economy is not just a climate imperative; it is one of the most significant economic opportunities of our time. For the UK, seizing this opportunity is essential to securing long-term prosperity, global competitiveness, and environmental sustainability..
Confederation of British Industry
If you are a local landowner and would like to get involved in the Forest project or find out about funding for nature-friendly farming and biodiversity net gain, please get in touch:
Forest Of Kent 