Environmental improvements

Reversing the decline in biodiversity and nature we've seen across the UK in recent years is one of the most important things we’ll ever do.  

Here in the Garden of England we’re blessed with some of the most beautiful countryside in the world. It's ecologically important, but also sustains so many people’s way of life and wellbeing. It makes people feel connected to where they live, and provides a setting for so many of the wonderful things that we do in our free time.

Two years ago the Government passed the Environment Act - one of the most ambitious environmental programmes of any country on earth. It includes legally binding targets to protect the environment, clean up our air and rivers and boost nature.

Part of the funding was to launch 48 local strategies across the country, and I was in Lenham in October for the launch of ours - Making Space for Nature in Kent and Medway.

Kent County Council have got ideas coming out of their ears, and by teaming up with our them, community groups and charities, I want to kickstart projects across the constituency – and find ways for anyone who wants to get involved.

Keep an eye out on this page for upcoming details and events, and please do get in touch if you've got an idea for a project you want my help with. 

Together we can be the first generation to leave our natural environment in a better place than we inherited it.

News

New woodland taking shape in Platt's Heath

Last week I gave a hand with some tree planting at the site of a brand-new woodland in Kent.

The 300 acre site of Pleasant Farm was acquired by Forestry England in 2020 and is now being turned into Pleasant Forest.

New plans to tackle fly-tipping

Seeing waste dumped on the side of roads or in the countryside is horrid.

Fly-tipping is a blight on communities across Faversham and Mid Kent, and I know the problem got worse at points during lockdown.

Action to tackle illegal hare coursing

Illegal hare coursing is a blight on rural communities, as local farmers know only too well.

The sight of tyre tracks through fields, broken gates, and damaged crops has sadly become all too common in the countryside.

Southern Water commits to investment in Faversham

Recently we’ve seen signs on beaches warning people not to swim and flooding in Faversham with some pretty grim things in the water.

I put these concerns directly to the CEO of Southern Water, Ian McAulay, when we met at Faversham’s Wastewater Treatment Works on Friday 12 November.

Historic Environment Bill becomes law

Work to protect and enhance our environment has taken a big step forward with the Environment Bill passing into law.

The Environment Act, as it is now known, is one of the biggest pieces of legislation ever to have gone through Parliament.

£2 million investment in Faversham Creek

The need for investment in our wastewater network is clearer than ever.

Over the summer we saw flood water pouring into peoples’ homes, and local beaches closed for swimming because of sewage ending up in the sea. This is completely unacceptable.

Cleaning up Faversham and Mid Kent

Litter can have a huge impact on the look and feel of the places we live.

Seeing litter on the side of roads or along footpaths doesn’t just look horrible, it’s also bad for the environment and can be devastating for wildlife.