Our 2025 Highlights

As 2025 comes to a close, we’re looking back on a year full of inspiring projects, community connections, and bold action to care for landscapes, nature, people, and place across the Kent Downs National Landscape.

Welcoming new leadership 

We were delighted to welcome Kate Wilson as the new Chair of the Kent Downs Joint Advisory Committee. Kate’s passion for inclusive leadership and her experience across education and local government are already helping us nurture strong, creative partnerships for the years ahead. 

At the same time, we’re recording our profound thanks to Chris Reynolds, our much-valued Chair for nearly 25 years. 

Shaping our future together

More than 1,190 people and organisations took part in shaping our revision of the Kent Downs National Landscape Management Plan. Communities, partners, land managers, specialists, organisations, and volunteers all contributed ideas, hopes, and priorities for a thriving, resilient landscape. Their insights are guiding a refreshed vision that will support nature, climate, and people for generations to come. 

Caring for wildlife and heritage  

To help protect our native pollinators, our Asian Hornet project distributed more than 450 free Asian Hornet Alert selective traps to landowners, farmers, and smallholders across Kent. Social media coverage helped raise awareness of this invasive and harmful insect.

Volunteers mapped 1,600 historic ponds across the Kent Downs. Twenty-five ponds were shortlisted for archaeological silt sampling, with some now considered for carbon C14 dating. One pond at Cobham Wood has already been restored, creating new wetland habitat for amphibians and invertebrates.

A new National Nature Reserve 

We were proud to celebrate the launch of the North Kent Woods and Downs National Nature Reserve, part of the prestigious King’s Series of National Nature Reserves. This new NNR protects ancient woodland, chalk grassland, and wildflower meadows. It supports rare species and veteran trees while offering new opportunities for people to explore and enjoy these special places. 

Celebrating our shared geological heritage 

Our shared geological story took centre stage this year. More than 1,500 people joined us at Dover Castle for this year’s Cross-Channel Geopark Festival. Visitors enjoyed guided walks, creative workshops, hands-on geology, and inspiring talks. Partners from both sides of the Channel joined us for a special day of celebration, and our GeoAmbassadors gathered for training and networking.  

In November, we submitted our UNESCO Global Geopark application, a major milestone. We were also delighted to welcome Nick Crane as the Geopark’s first President, helping us tell the story of our remarkable geological heritage with even greater ambition. 

Celebrating the Darent Valley 

The Darent Valley Landscape Partnership Scheme wrapped up after seven years of investment, conservation, and community involvement. More than £4m invested with over 40 projects which have restored habitats, protected heritage, and helped over 4,000 people connect with the valley through walks, workshops, school activities and volunteering. 

Two discoveries brought particular excitement. At Otford Palace, a community dig confirmed that the aisled hall uncovered in 2023 dates from the 14th century. At Dartford Gunpowder Works, important conservation and new interpretation helped stabilise the fragile site and raise public awareness. Volunteers also continued their careful work on the archaeological archives, helping safeguard the valley’s stories for the future.  

Making the Kent Downs accessible to everyone  

Putting Down Routes continued to grow this year, bringing nearly 1,400 people together across 65 events. We welcomed almost 30 new North Downs Way ambassadors, many now leading their own walks and activities, sharing their passion for the landscape.  

Highlights ranged from improved access at Wye and upgrades at Abbot’s Cliff Sound Mirror to joining in the vibrant Vaisakhi celebrations at Gravesend Gurdwara. Lived experience sessions helped us better understand the needs of people using mobility equipment, making the Kent Downs more inclusive and welcoming for everyone. A huge thank you to The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Defra’s Farming in Protected Landscapes for helping make all this possible! 

Uninterrupted landscapes for all to enjoy 

A significant investment from UK Power Networks transformed views at Wye. Two kilometres of overhead power lines and 27 poles were removed, revealing uninterrupted views across the Stour Valley and the historic parkland around Olantigh House. Walkers, residents, and visitors can now enjoy the landscape without visual distraction, and the project has helped restore a sense of tranquillity to this part of the Downs.

Investing in nature and communities 

Farming in Protected Landscapes  supported 30 projects and provided £775,000 in grants, bringing total project value close to one million pounds. Volunteers contributed 1,500 hours of time and match funding worth £185,000 helped extend the programme’s impact. Projects included habitat restoration, sustainable farming, and orchard hedge-laying, creating measurable benefits for people, wildlife, and the landscape. 

Exploring sustainable viticulture 

We finished the year by launching our Kent Downs Sustainable Viticulture project, inviting vineyards and sector partners to help develop practical guidance for environmentally friendly vineyard management. The project will improve understanding of best practices, engage producers on landscape-sensitive approaches, and support sustainable viticulture across the Kent Downs.