News Secretary of State asked to consider Len Valley and Greensand Ridge as National Landscapes
DEFRA is being urged to open an early bidding round for National Landscape extensions, with Maidstone councillors keen to champion the inclusion of Len Valley and Greensand Ridge as part of the proposals.
Cabinet Member for Planning Policy and Management, Councillor Tony Harwood has issued the formal appeal to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Emma Reynolds MP, focusing on the Len Valley and Greensand Ridge, two ecologically rich and visually stunning areas in Kent that currently lack national-level protection.
The appeal highlights the critical role the landscapes could play in helping the UK meet its 30 by 30 commitment, a pledge to protect 30% of land and sea for nature by 2030, as part of the Global Biodiversity Framework agreed at COP15.
In the letter Councillor Harwood writes: “Relatively small additions to the extent of our protected landscapes could significantly increase their capacity to support nature recovery. The Len Valley and Greensand Ridge are prime candidates for inclusion, yet remain vulnerable to development and ecological degradation.”
The Greensand Ridge, stretching from Boughton Malherbe in the east to Nettlestead in the west of the Borough, is a distinctive escarpment of ancient woodland, acid grassland, and rare parkland habitats. It forms part of the Kent Lower Greensand aquifer, a vital water source for the region. The Len Valley, between Lenham and Bearsted, with its intimate mosaic of hedgerows, meadows, and streams, supports a rich diversity of flora and fauna, provides natural flood protection for the county town, and serves as a key wildlife corridor.
Both areas are currently designated as Local Landscape Value (LLV) zones, which offer limited protection in planning terms. Without national designation, they remain exposed to piecemeal development, habitat fragmentation, and the cumulative impacts of climate change.
A 2021 climate risk analysis of the Greensand Ridge warned that flooding, drought, and biodiversity loss will intensify without strategic landscape-scale conservation. Fragmented habitats are less resilient to climate shocks, and isolated species populations face higher extinction risks.
The proposal to extend the Kent Downs National Landscape to include the Len Valley and Greensand Ridge has been endorsed by the Kent Downs Joint Advisory Committee and backed by extensive research from local campaigners.
If approved, the extension would protect 51.15 square kilometres of countryside currently outside the Kent Downs designation. This would not only safeguard biodiversity but also enhance public access, cultural heritage, and climate resilience.
DEFRA’s confirmed criteria for 30 by 30 areas—purpose, protection, and management—align closely with the Council’s proposal. The Len Valley and Greensand Ridge meet these standards and are ready for inclusion.
Cllr Harwood said: “Without national protection, the Len Valley and Greensand Ridge face serious threats. Wildlife corridors could be severed, threatening species migration and survival. Ancient woodlands and meadows may be lost to development. Water quality and flood resilience could decline, impacting communities downstream.“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to secure the future of our most treasured landscapes. We urge DEFRA to act swiftly and invite early bids for extensions to National Landscapes.”
The motion to write the letter was brought by Loose and Linton Ward Councillor and Deputy Mayor Brian Clark who said: “This effort started formally with my proposal at the November 2018 Strategic Planning Committee and I’m thrilled that this is finally moving forward.”
Maidstone Borough Council remains committed to its Climate and Biodiversity Emergency Declaration and its goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030. Protecting the Len Valley and Greensand Ridge is a vital step toward that vision.