Extension of quarrying at Hermitage Quarry, Maidstone

Kent Wildlife Trust is strongly opposed to quarrying proposals which would destroy a large part of Oaken Wood, near Barming. In a joint letter with the Woodland Trust, we have written to the Secretary of State, Eric Pickles, asking him to call-in the application, so that it can be decided by public inquiry. A copy of the letter is available by clicking on the PDF below.

Kent Wildlife Trust's position on Lydd Airport

London Ashford Airport (Lydd Airport), which lies at the heart of the fantastic wildlife habitat of Dungeness, has submitted two planning applications. Both applications threaten the wonderful assemblage of rare wildflowers and insects of this globally unique site, and could result in serious, long-term harm to Romney Marsh's amazing populations of wild birds. The Trust has opposed the applications, working alongside RSPB, CPRE and local campaign groups.

The Thames Gateway is an area extending eastwards for 40 miles along the Thames Estuary from the London Docklands to Southend in Essex, and Sheppey in Kent which the government has identified as a national priority for regeneration and growth. The Thames Gateway Interim Plan proposes 160,000 new homes in the Gateway and provision for 180,000 jobs, with associated infrastructure.

Planning and built development has a huge impact on Kent's wildlife and countryside. Kent Wildlife Trust works extensively with planners, developers and decision-makers to ensure development avoids damage to wildlife and wherever possible benefits the natural environment.