Kent Downs Management Plan Review 2026 – 2031

The Kent Downs National Landscape is one of England’s most distinctive landscapes. It’s patchwork of chalk downland, ancient woodland, and sweeping views. Every five years we refresh the Management Plan, the shared roadmap that guides how this special landscape is cared for and celebrated. 

We’re now starting the review for 2026–2031, and your views will help shape it. Whether you live here, farm the land, walk the trails, or simply value knowing it exists, your voice matters. 

This survey closes at midnight on Sunday 2 November 2025. 

The Management Plan is our blueprint for the Kent Downs. It explains how we look after, manage, and enhance the landscape for the years ahead. 

It guides how we: 

• Manage and enhance natural beauty,

• support farming and land management,

• guide planning and development, and 

• create more opportunities for everyone to explore and enjoy the Downs.

Local councils, farmers, landowners, community groups and residents all use the plan. It influences decisions and shapes priorities for nature recovery, farming, climate action, access and tourism.  

As a statutory plan required by Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (CRoW Act) and the more recent Levelling-Up and Regeneration Act 2023 (LURA), every protected landscape must have a Management Plan reviewed every five years. But more than that, it helps us ensure the Downs thrive for people, wildlife, and communities alike. 

The last plan was adopted in 2021. Since then, a few things have changed. This review gives us a chance to:

• Measure progress against the 2021–2026 priorities.

• Seek to further the purpose of conserving and enhancing the natural beauty of the area.

• Tackle challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and habitat fragmentation.

• Take advantage of new opportunities, including protecting 30% of land for nature under “30 by 30”, Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRS), and new planning and environmental duties. 

• Work with residents, land managers, communities, and partners to create a shared vision.

By reviewing the plan, we ensure the Kent Downs will be greener, healthier, wilder, and more resilient for future generations. 

As a National Landscape, our vision is: Beautiful, thriving landscapes that all people feel part of.

Our purpose is to care for the Kent Downs National Landscape by:

• Enhancing, protecting and celebrating its natural beauty,

• nurturing its special character for future generations,

• supporting farmers, foresters, and rural businesses to thrive alongside nature,
• helping local communities to enjoy and benefit from the landscape, and
• encouraging visitors to enjoy the Downs in ways that respect its beauty and wildlife.

We want to hear from everyone who lives, works, farms, visits, or simply cares about the Downs. We want to know:

• The features you think make the Kent Downs most special and what you value the most? 

• What matters most to you when it comes to caring for the Kent Downs? 

• How can we make the Kent Downs even more enjoyable for everyone?  

• If you engage or follow the Kent Downs online and if you do how you feel about it? 

The survey should take about 5-10 minutes to complete. Your thoughts will make a difference and help us to shape the new Kent Downs Management Plan ahead of a public consultation in Spring 2026. 

If you cannot complete the survey online, you can download a Word or paper copy below.

Kent Downs Management Plan Survey (DOCX, 2 MB)

Once completed, return it by:

• Email: mail@kentdowns.org.uk

• Post: Kent Downs National Landscape Unit, The Granary, Canterbury Road, East Brabourne, Ashford, Kent, TN25 5LL

This survey closes at midnight on Sunday 2 November 2025. 

If you have any questions, please contact us mail@kentdowns.org.uk