Nature conservation

We have a legal duty to conserve the nature conservation interest in our area. Wildlife and habitats are also protected by national and local planning policies. 

Our area has a varied rural landscape, from the marshes around the Thames in the north, arable farmlands to the south and east of Gravesend, and downs and woodland in the south.

There are trees within our towns and villages and areas of woodland in our countryside. Trees have many advantages such as creating pleasant spaces, providing shade on hot days, cleaning the air and providing habitat for wildlife.

Designated Sites

There are a number of sites in the Borough which receive special protection because of their international, national or county-wide importance for nature conservation. These include the Thames Estuary and Marshes Special Protection Area (SPA) and Ramsar site, the North Downs Woodland Special Area of Conservation (SAC), Sites of Special Scientific Interest and Local Wildlife Sites.

The sites can be viewed on the DEFRA Magic Interactive Map with the exception of the Local Wildlife Sites. For further information on the Local Wildlife Sites, contact the Kent Wildlife Trust.

Kent Biodiversity Action Plan

There is a UK Biodiversity Action Plan which sets out the actions needed to enhance and restore the condition of 45 habitats to conserve nature throughout the country. Local Biodiversity Partnerships have responsibility for the actions to conserve these habitats at a local level. Kent is home to 24 of these habitats and the Kent Biodiversity Partnership has produced Habitat Action Plans to conserve them.

If you need further information on which habitats and species are present on your site, contact the Kent and Medway Biological Records Centre.

Protected Species

There are several species present in our area which are protected by law.  These include bats, great crested newts and badgers. Natural England has issued advice for a number of protected species. This explains what developers must do to stay within the law and it sets out how we should assess the impacts of development on each species. You can get access to this advice on GOV.UK.

If you need further information on which habitats and species are present on your site, contact the Kent and Medway Biological Records Centre.