Planning

Biodiversity Duty First Consideration

Under the Environment Act 2021, public authorities in England must comply with an enhanced biodiversity duty by completing a "first consideration" of actions to conserve and enhance biodiversity. Please see Strategies to view Maidstone Borough Council's past and present strategic considerations for Biodiversity.

Nature Recovery Declaration & Commitments

Maidstone Borough Council recognises that nature is in long-term and accelerating decline. The UK is one of the most nature depleted countries on Earth, with one in six species of our animals and plants at risk of being lost from these islands. With 41 per cent of wild species in decline nationally, and most of the important habitats for the UK’s wildlife in poor condition. Due to human activity the UK now has less than 50% of its historic biodiversity remaining. Time is running out if we are to stop this nature decline and ultimately reverse it. For more information on our priorities and commitments, please see Nature Recovery Declaration 2024 and Commitments

Policy statement - use of native species in planting

Maidstone Borough Council is committed to enhancing local biodiversity, supporting climate resilience, and preserving the natural character of our landscapes. As part of our environmental stewardship and climate change strategy, the Council will prioritise the use of native plant species in all planting schemes wherever and whenever appropriate and feasible.

Policy objectives

Promote Biodiversity: Native species support a wide range of local wildlife, including pollinators, birds, and invertebrates, contributing to healthier ecosystems.
Enhance Climate Resilience: Native plants are better adapted to local soil, weather, and water conditions, making them more resilient to climate change impacts.
Preserve Local Character: Using native flora helps maintain the distinctive landscape character of Maidstone and its surrounding countryside.
Reduce Maintenance and Inputs: Native species typically require less irrigation, fertiliser, and pest control, supporting more sustainable land management.

Implementation guidelines

All new planting schemes on Council-owned or managed land should include native species as the default choice, unless site-specific conditions or design requirements necessitate alternatives.
Where non-native species are used, they must be non-invasive and provide demonstrable ecological or aesthetic value.
The Council will maintain a preferred list of native species suitable for different site types (e.g., urban parks, roadside verges, riparian zones).
Contractors and partners involved in landscape design and maintenance will be required to adhere to this policy.
Community planting initiatives will be encouraged to use native species and will be supported with guidance and resources.

Monitoring and review

This policy will be reviewed 5-yearly in line with biodiversity strategy updates, to reflect emerging best practices, climate data, and biodiversity monitoring outcomes.

Other references

The Native Species Policy Statement complements the following: