The Darent Valley Landscape Partnership Scheme is dedicated to preserving the valley’s rich natural and cultural heritage while promoting sustainable development. Through collaborative efforts, it aims to protect biodiversity, enhance community engagement, and ensure the valley’s long-term resilience against urban pressures.
What is DVLPS?
The Darent Valley Landscape Partnership Scheme (DVLPS) is a community-driven, multi-sector initiative aimed at conserving and enhancing the Darent Valley’s landscapes and heritage. The valley, historically celebrated for its natural beauty and artistic significance, has faced increasing pressures from urban development, making conservation efforts critical for its future. The DVLPS was created to mitigate these challenges and ensure the long-term survival of the valley’s environment, cultural landmarks, and biodiversity.
The project works through a combination of practical conservation measures, public engagement, and educational programs to foster a deeper understanding of the valley’s value. The scheme brings together local communities, organizations, and stakeholders to create a unified approach to landscape conservation and sustainable development.
Partnerships
The success of the Darent Valley Landscape Partnership Scheme is made possible through the collaboration of a diverse group of partners. These include national organizations, local authorities, and community representatives working together to achieve the project’s goals. The key partners include:
- Kent Downs National Landscape
- Kent Wildlife Trust
- Sevenoaks District Council
- Dartford Borough Council
- Ashmolean Museum
- Environment Agency
- Healthy Living Centre, Dartford
- National Farmers Union
- Explore Kent
- The Quadrangle
- Local communities of the Darent Valley
This broad mix of partners allows the DVLPS to tap into a wide range of expertise and resources, ensuring that the scheme addresses the valley’s needs in a comprehensive and sustainable manner. The involvement of local community groups ensures that conservation efforts are rooted in the valley’s cultural context and that local residents feel a sense of ownership and pride in the landscape.
Funding
The DVLPS is funded through a combination of public and private sources, with significant contributions from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, which awarded £2.1 million following a successful bid. This funding has allowed the project to launch and sustain a wide array of initiatives aimed at preserving the valley’s natural and cultural assets.
Additional funding comes from a variety of sources, including European grants such as the Interreg program, local authorities (Kent County Council, Dartford Borough Council, and Sevenoaks District Council), and contributions from organizations like Kent Wildlife Trust and Highways England Environment Designated Fund. Private sector partners, landowners, and local community volunteers have also played a crucial role in funding and supporting the scheme’s projects.
In total, the scheme has attracted around £4 million in funding, allowing for the restoration of key sites, the creation of educational programs, the development of new access routes, and the implementation of sustainable environmental management practices. This diverse funding base has ensured the project’s financial stability and provided a robust foundation for its continued success.
Contact us
Our team is largely working from home so the best way to contact us is by email: mail@kentdowns.org.uk
