Biodiversity Strategy 2025–2030

Foreword

Maidstone is a beautiful, unique and diverse borough with a rich natural environment encompassing parks, woodland, allotments and waterways, enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.  These spaces are home to a remarkable range of wildlife, whose survival depends on how we treat and manage the environment. Our own future is linked to the thriving biodiversity of our borough.

Since the Council’s previous Biodiversity and Climate Change Strategy, published in 2020, we have made significant strides in integrating biodiversity considerations across our services. This includes implementing a 20% biodiversity net gain standard for new residential developments, to minimise the impact of building activity on the local environment. We have also reduced our reliance on pesticides, improved our mowing practices, worked alongside local environmental organisations to make the transition to clean energy more accessible, and, through our Eco Hub, educated residents on sustainable living and reducing their carbon footprint.

This new Biodiversity Strategy builds on that work, setting out the priorities and actions required to prevent the destruction of habitats, restore and extend what remains, and create new spaces for nature to flourish. Crucially, we aim to ensure that wildlife can move freely between these habitats by establishing connected ecological networks across the borough.

The Council has an important leadership role to play, taking positive action through our own management of parks and open spaces: incorporating nature-based solutions to better enable climate resilience; protecting, expanding, connecting and restoring habitats; and embedding local nature recovery into everything we do. However, we cannot deliver this ambitious vision alone. We are committed to working closely with residents, communities, partner organisations, businesses and landowners to inspire and support local action for nature and to tackle the nature crisis and climate emergency together.

Protecting and enhancing biodiversity are some of the most important things we can do as a local authority, and they directly support our wider aim of responding effectively to climate change. This strategy represents our commitment to safeguarding Maidstone’s natural heritage for future generations, ensuring the long-term health and resilience of its ecosystems, and creating a borough where both people and nature can survive and thrive.


Councillor Michael Summersgill (CENg, C.WEM)
Cabinet Member for Climate Transition & Nature Recovery

Key Achievements

• Maidstone Borough Council has planted 10,950 trees in 5 years
• Creation of 3 new nature reserves (totalling 18 hectares of protected land)
• No Mow May successfully implemented in 5 communities
• New community woodland created in Yalding (1,450 trees)
• 1,200+ Ecohub visitors
• Climate Change newsletter subscribers increased by 1.5%
• 2 ‘Sustainability in Leadership’ Business Events delivered in 2024

Strategy Aims

• Supporting the Nature Recovery Declaration 2024 aims
• Delivering on Resident Survey 2023 top priorities and actions

Key Priorities

• Nature Recovery
• Climate Resilience

Ways of Working

As a local community leader on climate change Maidstone Borough Council recognises that it has responsibility to take direct action where it can and to proactively influence in those areas outside its control. We will:

• Be an exemplar, setting our own high standards and be a model of good practice for the Borough
• Act as an enabler, in partnership working, sharing responsibility, facilitating, coordinating & promoting projects
• Encourage others, providing information, support and introductions that will make a positive contribution to our response to the biodiversity and climate emergency.

Over 80% of emissions within the Borough come from domestic energy consumption and transportation, sectors where the Council has limited direct control. However, addressing these significant emission sources is crucial for meaningful progress on climate change. Therefore, Maidstone Borough Council is committed to implementing a proactive approach, focusing on the following areas where it can make a real difference:

• Finance: use existing financial resources to identify investment opportunities that support biodiversity projects and initiatives.
• Partnerships: actively seek partnerships whereby Maidstone Borough Council can generate and improve influence on biodiversity projects and initiatives.
• Lobbying: proactively lobby for policy changes in areas where Maidstone Borough Council lacks direct control.
• Circularity: where feasible, Maidstone Borough Council will adopt a ‘repair over replace’ approach to biodiversity initiatives.

Our Vision and Objectives

The Climate Change Strategy supports the following Council strategic priorities:

• Priority one: A high quality place, adapted for a changing climate
• Priority four: fairer economy for people and planet

National Context

Emissions & Net Zero

The UK’s biodiversity is facing a significant crisis. The UK is within the lowest 10% of countries globally on the Biodiversity Intactness Index1. The 2019 State of Nature report found that 13% of England’s species are under threat of extinction, with 35% having declined in number since 1970. Across the UK, 133 species have already been lost2.

While historically rich and diverse, decades of intensification in land management, pollution, development, hydrological change, woodland management and climate change have severely impacted our natural environment. This decline not only affects the intrinsic value of nature but also undermines the essential ecosystem services upon which we depend, including clean air and water, food production, and climate regulation. Recognising the gravity of this situation, the UK government has committed to ambitious targets and strategies to reverse biodiversity loss and restore nature.

In terms of international targets, COP15 saw the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) which set out four goals for 2050: to protect and restore ecosystems, prevent extinctions, mobilise resources for conservation, manage biodiversity sustainably and ensure the equitable sharing of benefits from resources3. In response to the GBF, the UK refreshed its own Biodiversity Framework in 2024 and pledged to protect and restore nature, sustainable use and resource management, and mainstreaming and finance4.

In England, the Environment Act 2021 sets legally binding biodiversity targets which will, in turn, contribute to meeting international obligations. Targets include reducing the risk of species going extinct by 2042; creating and restoring 500,000 hectares of wildlife-rich habitats by 2042; and ensuring overall species abundance is increasing rather than decreasing by 2030, and increases by 10% by 20425. The 25-Year Plan to Improve the Environment (2018) also sets out Government action to help the natural world regain and retain good health, aiming to deliver cleaner air and water, protect threatened species, and provide richer wildlife habitats. It calls for an approach to agriculture, forestry, land use and fishing that puts the environment first6.

Local Authorities have an important role to play in delivering national and international biodiversity targets. It is within our remit to develop and implement local nature recovery strategies; integrate biodiversity into planning decisions, including the implementation of biodiversity net gain; provide valuable habitats for wildlife in council-owned land; raise awareness of the importance of biodiversity; and encourage community involvement in nature restoration. This strategy supports the delivery of national efforts to reverse biodiversity decline and safeguard our natural environment.

1. Biodiversity intactness index
2. 41% of the UK species have declined
3. CBD press final release
4. UK Biodiversity framework
5. Biodiversity loss UK international obligations
6. HM Government - A green future, our 25 year plan

Local Context

Maidstone possesses a diverse range of habitats, from woodlands to chalk grasslands to vital river ecosystems. However, like the national picture, Maidstone’s biodiversity faces a number of challenges.

The Borough boasts significant woodland cover, important for carbon storage, wildlife habitat, geological and soil diversity, and is home to a variety of species including bluebells, dormice and various bird species. Maidstone also has vast areas of chalk grassland, a habitat rich in wildflowers, birds and butterflies. The River Medway and its tributaries flow through Maidstone, providing crucial habitats for aquatic life and supporting various fish populations. A significant portion of Maidstone is agricultural land which plays a huge role in supporting biodiversity through sustainable farming practices. Maidstone’s parks, gardens and other open spaces provide valuable habitats in the urban environment.

However, nature in Kent has become increasingly under threat by the negative impacts of climate change and habitat loss. Four new species face extinction each decade, a number that is accelerating. Now, more than one in ten species face extinction, and over 3,400 species in Kent are now threatened7. In recent years, fish populations in the River Medway have declined and although invertebrate populations have stabilised, Maidstone's river health must also be prioritised8.

Within the Maidstone Borough, seven priority habitats on Council-owned land are in decline: acid grassland; heathland; meadow; wet woodland; wood pasture and parkland; deciduous woodland; and ponds9. The Kent Downs National Landscape is Maidstone’s largest protected area and supports a range of important habitats, including chalk grassland and scrub; orchards and cobnut plats, chalk cliffs, chalk streams and wet pasture, ponds and spring lines; heath and acid grassland; and woodlands (ancient woodland, veteran trees and wood pasture)10. This unique biodiversity within Maidstone begins with its geology, including its soils11. Below the chalk is an aquifer providing 75% of Kent’s drinking water and chalk streams. Vegetation patterns here are unique and particularly effective at removing air pollution, and its protection should be prioritised10.

The pressures of climate change and habitat loss are acutely felt within the Borough, leading to the declaration of a Biodiversity and Climate Change Emergency in 2019 and the adoption of a Nature Recovery Declaration in 2024. Protecting Maidstone’s landscape, with its diverse habitats and crucial role in water provision and air pollution mitigation, is paramount. A robust and locally tailored biodiversity strategy is essential to addressing these challenges, safeguarding Maidstone’s natural heritage, and ensuring the long-term health and resilience of its ecosystems.

1. Kent Wildlife Trust
2. Catchment planning
3. MBC Biodiversity Strategy
4. Kent Downs ANOB management plan

Key Priority - Nature recovery

Accelerating our Actions to Protect and Restore Nature - why is this important?

Protecting, expanding, connecting and restoring habitats, is vital in ensuring the health and diversity of our ecosystems. Supporting our most threatened species and minimising environmental harm are essential in delivering the Council’s strategic priority: A High Quality Place, Adapted for Climate Change.

‘Nature Recovery’ aims to deliver on the 2023 Climate Change Survey top-scoring actions, to “plant more trees; create other habitats for wildlife; and invest in active travel infrastructure” and top-scoring priorities “biodiversity loss due to habitat destruction; and travel & transport”.

Areas of Focus

• Protect and restore habitats
• Prioritise threatened species
• Improve green networks and accessibility
• Minimise environmental harm

Protecting, Restoring, Expanding and Connecting Habitats

The first step towards accelerating nature recovery is to protect what we already have. The top priority of respondents in the 2023 Climate Change Survey was biodiversity loss due to habitat destruction. Therefore, protecting vital habitats from destruction, restoring degraded habitats to their full potential, and extending boundaries further will be a key focus of this strategy. To maximise the impacts of these actions, connecting vital habitats to form corridors compounds benefits to wildlife.

Prioritising Our Most Threatened Species

Despite widespread decline in wildlife generally, native species tend to fare worse, especially those specific to the Southeast, Kent, and the Maidstone area. In this strategy, we will focus on our most threatened habitats and species to ensure we are acting to protect our most endangered and unique species.

Improving Green Spaces, Networks and Accessibility

Natural spaces provide opportunities to exercise, connect with nature, reduce stress, reduce heat impacts during higher temperatures, and reduce noise and air pollution. Ensuring green space is available, adequate, and easy to get to and enjoy, is important for improving the quality of life for all residents.

Minimising Environmental Harm

Many of the climate and nature-positive actions we implement can be diminished, or rendered ineffective, by engaging in opposing actions that cause harm. This strategy aims to identify and challenge as many harm-causing factors as possible, to improve and optimise our climate and nature-positive returns.

What have we done already?

The Council has taken significant steps to nature recovery including: 20% biodiversity net gain standard against the impacts of build activity on the local environment; ‘No mow May’ in five areas across the Borough; Reducing strimming around tree roots and mowing under tree canopies where practicable; Desilting of three park ponds; Working towards National Landscape Designation of Greensand Ridge; The creation of over 10000m2 of bee-friendly pollinator meadows – accredited by DEFRA & Bumble Bee Conservation with a Bees’ Needs Award; £25,000 ‘Go Green Go Wild’ direct funding of biodiversity community projects: Examples include, pond creation projects, new wildflower meadows, over 500 trees planted and specialist ‘elver’ monitoring on the River Medway.

From our 2023 Climate Change survey, it was clear that respondents wanted to see greater action from the Council in tree planting & creating other habitats for wildlife; and greater investment in active travel infrastructure. A key priority of respondents was to address biodiversity loss due to habitat destruction.

The table below illustrates the key commitments and action areas for key priority ‘Nature Recovery’:

Key Priority – Climate resilience

Developing a Network of Resilient Infrastructure  - why is this important?

Assessing risks & vulnerabilities of the Borough in the face of climate change and mitigating those risks through
adaptation measures and nature-based solutions, ensure a focus on equitable outcomes for communities. Creating resilient systems in this way is essential for delivering on the Council’s strategic priority: A High Quality Place, Adapted for Climate Change.

‘Climate Resilience’ aims to deliver on the 2023 Climate Change Survey top-scoring priorities: “climate change; and buildings & infrastructure”; and top-scoring action “plant more trees; create other habitats for wildlife”.

Areas of Focus

• Risk
• Adaptation & Nature-Based Solutions
• Equity
• Mitigation

Climate Change Risks & Vulnerabilities

Climate change is inevitable even if emissions are reduced immediately. The impacts on Maidstone, its residents and ecosystems will be significant, with changes to seasons and weather patterns, and certain areas facing greater risks of flooding, drought or heat island effects. Therefore, thorough risk and vulnerability assessments will be critical to understanding and delivering equitable climate resilience for Maidstone. Focusing on habitats already identified to be at risk will result in more significant outcomes for at-risk species. Improving ecosystem connectivity and removing threats where possible will increase overall resilience of Maidstone’s environment.

Mitigating Climate Change

Avoiding new and reducing unavoidable emissions is central to managing the risks of climate change. Increasing the carbon sequestration potential of the Borough’s green spaces and maximising their range, is key to mitigating climate change alongside emissions reduction to achieve net zero goals. Improving biodiversity in ecosystems increases their resilience and carbon storage potential. Alongside other areas of this strategy and the parallel Climate Change Strategy, mitigation efforts will include emissions awareness and consideration for planning, implementation, management, and engagement with any new or ongoing activity.  Embedding mitigation at the design stage will create more efficient long-term climate resilience.

Adaptations for Climate Resilience and nature based solutions

Designing for the future aims to minimise harm caused from climate change, and to maximise social, environmental and economic resilience. Adaptation efforts will involve taking active steps toward the inclusion of appropriate infrastructure features, including the incorporation of nature-based solutions and emergency planning, to support the continuation of local services when required. Recognising and supporting key species and habitats improves ecosystem function and environmental resilience.

Taking an Equitable Approach to Climate Resilience

Climate change adversely impacts some communities more than others. Targeted support for the elderly, disabled, minority groups, low-income households and other groups identified as vulnerable to climate risk must be positively accounted for in all climate resilience planning and implementation.  Improving access to high-quality green spaces has proven health benefits1 and corelations between climate risk-prone areas and vulnerable communities mean targeting nature-based solutions in these locations can create the highest positive impact for people and nature.

What have we done already?

De-paving of 5 areas and introduction of planter boxes increasing green space by 5,200sqm in the Town Centre. Within the Local Plan Review, Policy LPRSP14C (Climate Change) contains a requirement for SUDS provision. The draft Policy ON5 (Sustainable Drainage Systems) in the emerging Design & Sustainability Development Plan Document goes further and contains requirements to maximise biodiversity potential of SUDS. Officers are working with South East Rivers Trust (SERT) to identify funding, and partner with Ashford Council to expand the “Bring Back the Beult” project to introduce wide-scale water retention and nature-based solutions to the Upper Medway catchment.

From our most recent climate change survey, key priorities of respondents were to address climate change and buildings & infrastructure. Respondents also wanted to see greater action from the Council in tree planting & creating other habitats for wildlife to support these priorities.

The table below illustrates the key commitments and action areas for Key Priority ‘Climate Resilience’:

Appendix 1

Resident’s Priorities (Responses from 2023 Climate Change Survey)

Strategy map

The Corporate Strategy connects to several key strategies and plans:

• Major Emergency Plan
• Communication and Engagement Strategy
• Parks and Open Spaces 10 Year Plan
• Housing Strategy
  • Environmental Health, Waste Crime and Community Protection Enforcement Policy
  • Housing Standards Enforcement Policy
  • Homes Energy Efficiency Plan
  • Low Emissions Strategy
  • Air Quality Action Plan
• Biodiversity Strategy
  • Biodiversity Delivery Plan
• Climate Change Strategy
  • Affordable Energy Strategy
• Local Plan
  • Integrated Transport Strategy
  • Walking and Cycling Strategy
  • Local Walking and Cycling Infrastructure Plan
• Heritage Strategy
  • Landscape Charter Assessment
  • Community Infrastructure Levy Charging Schedule
  • Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan
  • Tree Strategy
• Medium Term Financial Strategy
  • Treasury Management Strategy
  • Capital Strategy
• Economic Development Strategy
  • Town Centre Strategy
• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy & Action Plan