Environmental improvements

Helen in the Kent countryside

Reversing the decline in biodiversity and nature we've seen across the UK in recent years is one of the most important things we’ll ever do.  

Here in the Garden of England we’re blessed with some of the most beautiful countryside in the world. It's ecologically important, but also sustains so many people’s way of life and wellbeing. It makes people feel connected to where they live, and provides a setting for so many of the wonderful things that we do in our free time.

Two years ago the Government passed the Environment Act - one of the most ambitious environmental programmes of any country on earth. It includes legally binding targets to protect the environment, clean up our air and rivers and boost nature.

Part of the funding was to launch 48 local strategies across the country, and I was in Lenham in October for the launch of ours - Making Space for Nature in Kent and Medway.

Kent County Council have got ideas coming out of their ears, and by teaming up with our them, community groups and charities, I want to kickstart projects across the constituency – and find ways for anyone who wants to get involved.

Keep an eye out on this page for upcoming details and events, and please do get in touch if you've got an idea for a project you want my help with. 

Together we can be the first generation to leave our natural environment in a better place than we inherited it.

News

Cash to catch fly-tippers in Swale

Fly-tipping rightly boils people’s blood.

Those who do it deserve to pay the price for selfishly spoiling our local area, but it can often be tricky to catch them.

Our underpass needs you!

Earlier this year I led a local team in winning thousands of pounds to restore Faversham's underpass. 

Along with getting the underpass cleaned, we've commissioned local artist Graham Upton to design a mural celebrating the town's history.

A new lease of life for Faversham's underpass

As anyone who’s been through it recently will know, Faversham’s underpass desperately needs some love and attention.

People use this route every day to get between The Mall and the town centre, and for too long it's been blighted by flooding, litter, and graffiti.

Sowing the seeds for local environment projects

We're never too small to make a difference. 

I know that on an issue as big as the environment, it can feel overwhelming trying to make changes on your own. But the truth is that communities coming together in their small corner of the world make a huge combined difference.

Joining forces for our local environment in 2024

At this time of year, spring can feel like a long way off.

Waking up with another frost on the ground, to grey skies and naked trees, muddy fields and flooded rivers, it’s easy to forget just how lucky we are.

Making space for nature

Today I was in Lenham for the launch of an exciting new plan to boost biodiversity and natural habitats in Kent and Medway. 

Our natural environment is one of the greatest treasures we have in this country - nowhere less so than here in the Garden of England. 

Flooding action for Faversham Rec

Flooding can be an absolute disaster, and sadly there are several areas in the constituency we’ve seen it hit recently.

Getting local housing views heard

Housebuilding is one of the most contentious issues here in Faversham and Mid Kent.

I hear from people all the time who are unhappy about the scale of development locally, as well as people desperate for a house of their own.

Save Faversham tip!

I'm fighting to save Faversham's tip from closure.

Last week Kent County Council published their Household Waste Recycling Centre Review, and we found out that Faversham tip is due to close in all of the options they're considering.