Kent's Rich Heritage strengthened as 'Garden of England' gains new protected landscape

Kent’s proud title as the "Garden of England" has been reinforced with the creation of the North Kent Woods and Downs National Nature Reserve — the eighth to be designated in the King’s Series. Announced on May 30th, the reserve spans 800 hectares and showcases the county’s unique blend of ancient woodlands, wildflower meadows, rare arable plants, and chalk grasslands.

The site is home to around 1,700 ancient and veteran trees and supports rare and charismatic wildlife including Man and Lady orchids, the Maidstone mining bee, Hazel dormice, and skylarks. Echoing its Tudor-era roots, much of the woodland has remained untouched for centuries.

Nature and people, reconnected

Over 400,000 people live within five miles of the new reserve, while 8 million are within an hour’s drive — making it a valuable green space for both local residents and day-trippers. The reserve offers fresh opportunities for people to connect with nature, while also playing a key role in national conservation goals.

A landscape with legacy

Famous author Charles Dickens once found inspiration in Kent’s countryside, returning often to enjoy its thriving natural scenes. Now, the declaration of this new National Nature Reserve helps shine the spotlight once again on the region’s ecological and cultural richness.

Tony Juniper, Chair of Natural England said:  

“Creating bigger, better and more joined up natural areas is one of the most vital and fundamental steps we must take in meeting our national targets for Nature’s recovery. This new reserve, with its hundreds of ancient trees set amid extensive chalk grasslands, lays the foundations for multiple partners to work together to improve Nature across a significant area of countryside. This reserve presents one further excellent example of the progress that can be made when people decide to work together across landscapes.

Millions of people visit our National Nature Reserves and having a new one accessible to so many people and with such fantastic Nature is truly a cause for celebration”.

The reserve is also a springboard for further recovery efforts, with an additional 1,100 hectares of surrounding land set to benefit from coordinated conservation action.

A vineyard where nature thrives

One of the site’s unique features is the Silverhand Estate — the UK’s largest organic and carbon-negative vineyard. This partnership underscores how a thriving natural environment can support sustainable business and local economies.

Nature Minister Mary Creagh said: 

“This new National Nature reserve will give people the opportunity to explore Kent’s magical landscapes from wildflower meadows to ancient woodlands.

Reserves like this one, and others in the King’s Coronation Series, will deliver on our promise to improve access to nature and protect nature-rich habitats, as well as boosting the local economy in line with our Plan for Change”.

A boost for tourism and conservation

National Nature Reserves draw more than 20 million visits annually, and the new Kent reserve is expected to enhance eco-tourism in the region. Its official designation marks a significant milestone in the government’s plan to restore nature-rich habitats and expand public access to green spaces.

The North Kent Woods and Downs National Nature Reserve is the latest addition to the King’s Series — a commitment to create or expand 25 National Nature Reserves by 2027 as a lasting legacy for people and wildlife.

Collaborative management for a shared future

This project is backed by Natural England and the Kent Downs National Landscape, with stewardship from a coalition of partners including the National Trust, Woodland Trust, Kent County Council, Plantlife, Silverhand Estate, and West Kent Downs Countryside Trust. Additional support comes from Gravesham Borough Council, Birling Estate, Shorne Parish Council, Tarmac, and Forestry England.

Together, these organizations will ensure the long-term protection and enhancement of one of the most treasured landscapes in the country. Photo by Clem Rutter, Rochester, Kent, Wikimedia commons.