Kent residents invited to help shape the future of the Kent Downs National Landscape

Residents, businesses, farmers and organisations across Kent are invited to help shape the future of the Kent Downs National Landscape as a public consultation opens on a draft five-year Management Plan for the Protected Landscape. 

The Kent Downs is one of Kent’s most treasured landscapes, home to the North Downs Way National Trail, as well as part of the aspiring UNESCO Cross-Channel Geopark. 

The consultation runs from 21 May to 19 July 2026 and asks people to share their views on how this nationally protected landscape should be cared for, enhanced and enjoyed in the years ahead. 

The draft Management Plan sets out an ambitious long-term vision for the Kent Downs and follows a public engagement phase, in which more than 1,200 people and organisations took part. They shared what they value about the landscape, what they think makes it special, and what matters most when it comes to its future care and enjoyment.  This feedback has directly shaped the draft Plan now being consulted on. 

Responses highlighted the Kent Downs’ ancient woodlands, chalk grasslands, orchards, peaceful valleys, wildlife, heritage, and iconic white cliffs as some of its most valued features, alongside its sense of peace, escape and everyday connection to nature. 

Covering almost a quarter of the county, the Kent Downs National Landscape is home to around 74,000 people, while more than two million people live within ten kilometres of its boundary. Stretching from the White Cliffs of Dover to the Surrey border, it sits close to Canterbury, Maidstone, Ashford, Medway and London, making it one of the south east’s most visited and valued landscapes. 

The Kent Downs contains internationally important landscapes, habitats and heritage, including rare chalk grasslands, ancient woodlands and globally important chalk streams. These support nationally rare species such as the early spider-orchid, lady orchid, Adonis blue butterfly and Duke of Burgundy butterfly. 

The draft Management Plan also sets out ambitions for stronger partnerships, increased investment in nature and communities, and greater international recognition through UNESCO Global Geopark and IUCN Green List status. 

Kate Wilson, Chair of the Kent Downs Joint Advisory Committee, said:

“People feel deeply connected to the Kent Downs and we’ve already heard from more than 1,200 people about what makes this landscape so special to them.“This consultation is an important opportunity for everyone who cares about the Kent Downs to help shape its future. Whether you live here, work here, visit regularly or simply value having this extraordinary landscape on your doorstep, we want to hear from you.

“The Kent Downs is one of the country’s most beautiful and most pressured protected landscapes. This draft Management Plan sets out an ambitious vision to conserve and enhance it for future generations, while ensuring more people can experience the health, wellbeing and environmental benefits it provides.”

Nick Johannsen FLI Director of the Kent Downs National Landscape Team added:

“The Kent Downs National Landscape Management Plan drives a significant amount of investment into caring for and enhancing this extraordinarily beautiful quarter of Kent, so it’s important the revised plan is as strong as it can be. We hope a wide range of people will take part; the more feedback we receive, the stronger the Management Plan will be.”

Protected Landscapes (National Landscapes and National Parks) were first formally recognised following the Second World War, reflecting the importance of protecting and opening access to beautiful countryside for everyone. More than 58 years since its designation as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1968, the Kent Downs continues to play a vital role for nature, climate, health, wellbeing and the rural economy. 

All responses received during the consultation period will be carefully reviewed by the Kent Downs National Landscape team before the final plan is considered by the Joint Advisory Committee and local authorities later this year. The final adopted plan will then be published and lodged with the Secretary of State in spring next year.