The governance structure of the North Kent Woods and Downs National Nature Reserve (NNR) is designed to ensure effective management and collaboration across all levels of operation. It is structured to provide strategic oversight while also empowering those involved in the day-to-day management of the reserve to make operational decisions. The structure is informed by best practices from other partnership-based NNRs and tailored to the unique needs of the North Kent Woods and Downs.
Governance Structure
Oversight of the NNR is provided by the Senior Management Group, which ensures that the strategic direction aligns with the long-term vision of the reserve. The Senior Management Group provides high-level leadership, resolves any overarching issues, and secures necessary resources for the reserve’s operation. The group includes senior representatives from each partner organisation, and it meets at least twice a year to review progress, assess challenges, and adjust strategic priorities where necessary.
The Steering Group plays a key role in overseeing the delivery of the NNR’s Management Framework. Comprising senior representatives from each partner organisation, it meets regularly to monitor progress, adapt where necessary, and ensure the NNR’s objectives are being met. The Steering Group is responsible for making key decisions on site management, setting priorities, and approving work programmes. It is also tasked with reviewing the progress of individual Delivery Groups and ensuring their work aligns with the broader goals of the reserve.
For more focused work, Delivery Groups are formed to manage specific projects and initiatives, such as habitat restoration, educational outreach, or community engagement efforts. These groups are composed of representatives from the Steering Group, as well as external experts and stakeholders when necessary. Delivery Groups report directly to the Steering Group, ensuring that all projects are in line with the overall NNR Management Framework and remain on track to achieve desired outcomes. The structure allows for flexibility, enabling the reserve to respond to emerging needs and opportunities effectively.
Affiliate Partnerships
The governance structure also includes an Affiliate Partnership for organisations that wish to support or collaborate with the reserve. Organisations can submit proposals to the Steering Group, which reviews and approves them. Once approved by the Steering Group, the partnership is then recommended for endorsement by Natural England’s NNR Operations Team. This final step ensures the affiliation aligns with national NNR criteria, offers access to additional guidance and resources, and helps identify any potential risks from a broader national NNR coordination perspective.
This approach ensures that all stakeholders who share the reserve’s vision have an opportunity to contribute, helping the NNR meet its objectives while maintaining a strong and collaborative governance system.