The Making Space for Nature project, which is developing the Local Nature Recovery Strategy for Kent and Medway, is reaching its halfway point. So far, Making Space for Nature has seen genuine active participation from over 450 individuals who, amongst them, represent over 200 different organisations, bodies, businesses and affiliations from across the county. The project has also been reaching out to farmers, landowners and land advisors, and spreading the word about the Local Nature Recovery Strategy. From working with the NFU and CLA, to joining farming events with partners and Farmer Cluster meetings across the county, a key aim has been to highlight potential future links to ELMS and BNG, and gather insights about the nature-friendly land management practices that are already happening in Kent. As a result of this collaboration, the Local Nature Recovery Strategy really taking shape, with the priorities and actions for nature recovery established, and the refinement of these continuing over the coming months.

Now the Local Nature Recovery Strategy development approaches arguably its most crucial stage that will bring all the work together as a complete strategy: the mapping stage. Where should we focus future nature recovery work? How do we stitch together the tapestry of nature recovery action that is already happening across the county? And how will this mapping influence land use in Kent? Making Space for Nature invites you to join them and have your say on this work at a final series of development workshops in September. These workshops are free, and lunch is provided for all attendees. Click the links below to reserve your space:

12^th September, 09:30-15:00 – Three Hills Sports Park, Folkestone

17^th September, 09:30-15:00 – Quex Barn, Birchington

19^th September, 09:30-15:00 – Lenham Community Centre, Lenham

24^th September, 09:30-15:00 – St Margaret’s Millennium Centre, Rainham

26^th September, 09:30-15:00 – NIAB, East Malling