Greensand Common

Sevenoaks Greensand Commons Project awarded National Lottery support

Sevenoaks District Council, working with Kent Wildlife Trust and other partners, has received a confirmed National Lottery grant of £483,600 for the Sevenoaks Greensand Commons heritage project, it was announced today.

Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, the project aims to reinstate the Commons as important and valued spaces for the local community, by working with local volunteers engaged in an exciting programme of practical work, wildlife recording and monitoring, and hands-on learning.

Supported through the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), the project, including match funding and volunteer time has a value of just over £685,000 and aims to restore the landscape, social and natural heritage of the Commons, improve footpaths and bridleways and clear signage. The Sevenoaks Greensand Commons Project will create and support opportunities for people, particularly under-represented groups, to engage with and use the Commons and increase and share that knowledge. Crucially the project will develop the capacity of local people to take a lead role in the on-going management of some 300ha of Commons, their conservation and promotion of their heritage.

I very much look forward to continuing to work with the community who have already given so much time, expertise and passion to this important project.
Cllr Matthew Dickins, Sevenoaks District Council’s Cabinet Member for Direct and Trading Services

The Commons contain some unusual and rare habitats for Kent and while much of the area is dominated by woodland, there are significant sections of acid grassland and heath habitat which is of high biodiversity value. Steeped in natural and landscape history these jewels are a unique but currently undervalued resource for local communities. For example, Hosey Common includes the former Westerham Mines complex, which is now used by hibernating bats and is nationally important, however more research is required to find out more about how they use the Commons.
 

Cllr Matthew Dickins, Sevenoaks District Council’s Cabinet Member for Direct and Trading Services, says: “With this National Lottery funding, we’ll now be able to crack on with rejuvenating these much loved-commons, opening up their history, flora and fauna and natural beauty for the enjoyment of all.”
 

Michelle Roffe, Head of HLF South East said: “We are delighted to support this project on the Greensand Commons, which, thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, will mean that more people will be able to get involved with, protect, and learn about the exciting natural heritage right on their doorstep.”

Bluebells - Greensand Commons

Sevenoaks Greensand Commons

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