Environmental improvements

Helen in the Kent countryside

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

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.

Action on storm overflows

Improving the water quality of our rivers, waterways, and coastlines is so important.

They're a vital habitat for wildlife, places for recreation, and crucially a source of water which we all depend on.

Historic Agriculture Bill becomes law

Last week our historic Agriculture Bill passed into law.

This is a hugely exciting moment, not just for farmers, but for everyone who cares about our environment and the food we eat.

Kent wine production goes from strength to strength

I was delighted to congratulate family-run business, Wayfarers, on their award-winning wines.

The Ashford family planted their first vines on a south facing slope on the North Downs in 2016, near their family home in Hollingbourne.

Kent tips set to re-open

It’s good news that Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) in Kent will be opening again soon.

Tips across the country were closed in March as social distancing proved difficult to maintain.

Give a hand on the land

This year we need more British people to help bring home the harvest.

Kent produces some of the best fruit and vegetables around, but farms require thousands of seasonal workers to pick crops in our fields and orchards.

A better future for Platts Heath and Sandway

People in Platts Heath and Sandway have two good reasons to celebrate.

The site of a proposed lorry park is set to become a new woodland instead. This is great news for local residents and nature alike. 

More seasonal workers to support farmers

Farmers this year will be able to recruit more workers on a temporary basis from outside the EU.

I’m pleased the Government will be increasing the pilot Seasonal Agricultural Workers Scheme to 10,000 workers in 2020 – an increase from 2,500 workers last year.