We're never too small to make a difference.
I know that on an issue as big as the environment, it can feel overwhelming trying to make changes on your own. But the truth is that communities coming together in their small corner of the world make a huge combined difference.
That's why I've made environmental improvements one of my five local priorities, and earlier this month I brought together parish councils from across the constituency to talk about getting local projects off the ground.
That morning I had visited the Stockbury Community Orchard, a collaboration between a local landowner, volunteers, and the team at Kent Downs National Landscape. Funded by the government, the orchard has been planted with new apple and pear trees, had new hedges laid and gaps in the old hedges filled in. It's now a wonderful place for wildlife, with the blossom attracting pollinators, hedgerows providing food and shelter for animals, and the orchard floor hosting rare plants and fungi. It's also a lovely place for local residents to go and relax or have a picnic.
Projects like this require some work at the start, but once up and running can be very easily managed by a local community. There are all kinds of funding opportunities out there to support them too - from the government's Farming in a Protected Landscape to money which local developers have been made to pay.
Parish council's brought along some really positive ideas - like regenerating the Spot Lane Nature Reserve in Downswood - which I'm now going to get on board with and support.
I'm hoping that by bringing people and ideas together we can get lots more of these projects off the ground, and I'd love to hear from you if you've got any ideas! You can either get in touch with me or your local parish council, and we'll be happy to help.
