Thames Gateway
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.
Although it is the most urban part of Kent, this area also supports some of the richest wildlife in the county. Internationally important wetlands support vast numbers of overwintering wildfowl and waders, whilst the unique conditions make the Thames Gateway home to an astonishing variety of rare invertebrates found nowhere else in the UK. It is vital that the wildlife of this world class environment is conserved and enhanced.
Our role
The Thames Gateway Officer at Kent Wildlife Trust works with local authorities, developers and local regeneration partnerships to ensure that the valuable wildlife in the area is protected. We help them make the most of the opportunities that regeneration brings for wildlife, and to ensure that sustainable development plans deliver environmental as well as social and economic benefits.
We actively involve communities in the care of their local environment, and work with local communities to help to improve the sites that are important to them.
Through a programme of events we seek to inspire people of all ages to enjoy and understand the wildlife of the Thames Gateway.
Action for Biodiversity
We are identifying how an ecological network in the Thames Gateway can be developed, linking the most important habitats and species. This will help to reduce fragmentation and make wildlife populations more robust and able to adapt to environmental pressures and changes.
We are working with a range of agencies, and with Wildlife Trusts in London and Essex to try and ensure development protects and enhances Thames Gateway’s important natural environment.
Key documents
Natural Regeneration
Natural Regeneration was produced by the main environmental organisations and agencies working in Thames Gateway. It contains strategic guidelines for the conservation of biodiversity in Thames Gateway. Download Document
Wildlife Gateway website
Visit http://www.wildlifegateway.org.uk/to find more information on how the planning, design and management of development can create opportunities for wildlife in Thames Gateway.
